Itch Review at the Dublin Fringe

Christopher McAuley’s deeply personal tale about growing up queer in Belfast while living with chronic eczema is both thought-provoking and moving.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Photo Credit: Ajuna Braunschweiger

Staged in The Boys’ School at Smock Alley, the production makes striking use of design. The space is beautifully lit (with lighting design by Adrian Wall, with a trapeze suspended from the ceiling adorned with GAA shorts and socks. A sheer fabric lies draped across the floor, where we first meet Christopher, huddled in a corner as the sound of scratching surrounds us, panning through multiple speakers to unsettling effect, with sound design by Marty Byrne.

Christopher describes himself as a “ceasefire child” from Belfast. From an early age he battled chronic eczema, while also grappling with questions of identity and belonging. One particularly poignant moment comes when he stands before a mirror (cleverly represented by the trapeze) fussing with his appearance in an attempt to conform to the norms so many of us recognise.

It’s hard not to be captivated by Christopher’s performance. Charismatic and fearless, he performs with full-frontal nudity for a significant portion of the show. Yet this choice never feels gratuitous or gimmicky; instead, it heightens the raw honesty of the piece and adds another powerful dimension to the storytelling. His physicality throughout is remarkable, leaving the audience breathless during moments of aerial strength and vulnerability on the trapeze.

The play itself balances humour and heart with skill. While the section about Christopher’s father could benefit from greater development, what is here is already compelling. As it stands, this was a striking and memorable piece; a bold, moving way to begin my Fringe experience this year.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Date of Review: 12 September 2025

Location: Boys' School, Smock Alley, Dublin.

Disclaimer: I was invited to this show on September 12th, 2025 in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and were not influenced by the invite.