Award-winning performer and writer, Xnthony, is providing a new perspective on a particularly difficult period in Irish history with his new show, Oliver Cromwell is Really Very Sorry, which offers a unique musical insight into Oliver Cromwell’s period in Ireland.

One of the most hated figures in this country’s history, who spent nine months here from 1649 to 1650 – and then left his army behind until 1653 to continue his carnage – Cromwell is now the subject of what it’s co-creator describes as “a riotous musical”.

In the piece, a cast of Irish and international drag, cabaret and musical theatre performers go on the hunt for the head of England’s ‘Daddy of Democracy’, which is reportedly buried in a biscuit tin in that country.

They’re promising a “a transgressive and riotous exploration of English colonialism in Ireland, with an electrifying array of pop bangers like Puritanism, Horror Scope and  800 Years.  All of these are bookended by Xnthony’s comedic wit and historical rigor, with the Irish Times review describing the piece as a ‘hilarious, deceptively simple angry marvel’.

Oliver Cromwell is Really Very Sorry, directed by Sam Curtis Lindsay, won the Best Ensemble Award at last year’s Dublin Fringe Festival and was nominated for Best Production, Best Costume and Best Soundscape at the 2022 Irish Times Theatre Awards. It’s coming to Galway next month as part of a nine-venue Irish tour.

Xnthony’s full-throttle show blends cabaret moments with the energy of a night at the musicals as he tells the story about a man the English don’t remember and the Irish will never forget. Xnthony – the alter-ego of Anthony Keigher – is joined by fellow performers Alison Arnop, Sé Carr, Iestyn Arwel and Lórcan Strain as ‘Ollie’s Army’ embarks on a “tour of carnage, legendary pop anthems and bloody historical re-enactments”.

Oliver Cromwell is Really Very Sorry is written by Xnthony, Sam Curtis Lindsay and Irish pop sensation ÓDÚ (Sally Ó Dúnlaing), with set design by Emma Bailey (who designed the Tony Award-winning Six: The Musical). The show is produced by Hannah Turk.

Oliver Cromwell is Really Very Sorry is at the city’s Town Hall Theatre, on Wednesday, November 1, at 8pm, with tickets costing €18-€20 online at www.tht.ie, by phone at 091 569 777  or from the box office.

Pictured: Xnthony offers a new look at Cromwell’s deeds in Ireland.