Fishskin Trousers – Fergie’s Pub, Philadelphia

Photo by Plate 3 Photography/ Kathryn Raines
By Amanda VanNostrand.

Saint Patrick’s Day has passed, but Fergie’s Pub is still very much open for business. The pub is home to the Pop-Up Play in a Pub, Fishskin Trousers, and it will be showing March 21st, 26th, 27th, and 28th, 2019.  Included with a ticket to this pop-up play is a meat or veggie pie and a pint of beer (or glass of wine if one so chooses!), adding even more spirit to the English feature in an Irish Pub.

Although Fergie’s Pub is quite Irish, this play is one that takes place on the East Coast of England during three separate (yet very well connected) times: The 12th Century, 1973, and 2002. The entire play examines the concept of time, and the connections that people (and the universe) have throughout history. This well-told tale presents three stories: Mab’s (Hanna Gaffney) story, of a young woman battling with the choices her parents made years ago and watching as the past comes back to haunt her in unexpected, monstrous ways; Ben’s (Tom Carman) story, of a young man in the 70s battling with a catastrophic decision he made back in college and wishing he could change the past as he unknowingly changes the future; and Mog’s (Victoria Aaliyah Goins) story, the most recent story of the three, of a woman in trouble and grappling with a particular choice she will make, and one that has the power to change her life forever. All three stories relate in ways that take time to become evident, but the stories and connections leave viewers in awe of the phenomenal writing (written by Elizabeth Kuti) and creativity of Fishskin Trousers.

The three actors do a phenomenal job of bringing their stories to life. From accents (Dialect Coach – Leonard Kelly) to time-appropriate clothing (Costume Design by Ariel Liudi Wang), each actor has only her or his words and emotions to get the story across, and each actor does so convincingly and with a true knack for entertaining. Fishskin Trousers begins a bit slowly but becomes a story that is striking and emotional by the end. Teary eyes may present themselves at the close, making this a show that is at the top of the list of favorites. Anyone who appreciates good writing, pies and pints, and stories with meaning, will be glad they attend Fishskin Trousers this March.

Though shows begin at 6:30, doors open at 6 and seating is first come, first serve. Be sure to arrive early enough so that you can order your pint at the bar and have time for your food to be served.

Advisory: Strong Language
Running Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes with no intermission
Fishskin Trousers will be at Fergie’s Pub on March 21st, 26th, 27th, and 28th, 2019. The Pub is located at 1214 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA. For tickets call (215) 454-9776 or click here.