Writer and Performer Ruairi Conaghan has appeared in the West End, on Broadway and in Downton Abbey. He has acted at many leading London theatres: the Royal Court, National Theatre, Donmar Warehouse, Bush Theatre, Southwark Playhouse, Arts Theatre, and Jermyn Street Theatre, in productions including Trevor Nunn’s All That Fall, playing alongside Sir Michael Gambon and Dame Eileen Atkins, which transferred to Off Broadway. He was the Player King to Benedict Cumberbatch's Hamlet at the Barbican Theatre. Ruairi has appeared in nine productions at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, and was in the Lyric Theatre, Belfast/Abbey Theatre, Dublin, co-production of Owen McCafferty's Fire Below. He recently played David Trimble in McCafferty’s hit play Agreement, at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, before transferring with great success to New York and, currently, at the Gate Theatre, Dublin. Ruairi has worked with numerous top directors including Lyndsey Turner, Debbie Tucker Green, Matthew Dunster, Peter Gill, Mike Bradwell, Mick Gordon, Jimmy Fay, Connall Morrison, Roisin McBrinn and Trevor Nunn. In television, his appearances include Downton Abbey, Silent Witness, Waking the Dead, The Suspicions of Mr Whicher and The Catherine Tate Show.

One of the ‘Top 10 Choices of 2023’ – British Theatre Guide.
One of the ‘Top Ten Cultural Events of 2023’ – The Belfast Telegraph.
‘Edinburgh Fringe Theatre Highlight’ – The List.
‘An extraordinary solo performance … Conaghan’s storytelling is masterful … with tremendous energy and charisma, he guides the audience through the twists and turns of his life … A compelling and moving exploration of grief, trauma, and the long shadows cast by violence … a must-see production. A deeply human story that resonates long after leaving the venue.’ ★★★★★ Fringe Review
‘I was unprepared to be so profoundly, utterly moved ... an honest, important representation of the healing power of theatre.’ ★★★★★ Three Weeks
‘A master storyteller, using his skills with language to induce tears and laughter in equal amounts.’ ★★★★★ One4Review
‘Coming straight from the heart is a theatrical purging of demons deeply buried … part memoir, part exorcism … a fearless performance.’ ★★★★The List
‘A gifted and charismatic storyteller, the audience hanging on every word. ’ ★★★★ Broadway Baby
‘Conaghan’s brave story of overcoming his past experiences and turning it into art is commendable … an experience that will stay with you.’ ★★★★ Entertainment Now
‘Ruairi's performance is both powerful and evocative. He examines the ghosts, issues and legacies of our tattered past in a way that is both inquisitive and eventually hopeful.’ Jimmy Fay, Artistic Director, Lyric Theatre, Belfast.
‘An honest, heartfelt story told with wit, self-deprecating humour and bragadaccio. I loved it.’ Ciaran Hinds, actor.
‘Ruairi manages to tell the story of the murder of a loved one, and the lasting and unpredictable trauma that flows from it, in a compelling and at times somehow even funny way. It taps into our collective memory of both the generalities and specifics of that brutal period in Northern Ireland, and challenges us in a new and ultimately uplifting way.’ Claire Hanna MP.

“It’s storytelling in its purest form, and it hits home. Hard.” Paul Squirrel, Squirrp

“Highly recommended – the sort of play that you find yourself thinking about and discussing days after you have experienced it.” John Groves, LondonTheatre1

“Lies Where It Falls tackles heavy themes with the weight they deserve and the humanity we so often need.” Paul Squirrel, Squirrp

“Touching, profound… It glows.” Simon Jenner, FringeReview

“An intensely personal show and unique story. Yet its themes of grief and loss, and of being lost, will resonate universally.” Dave Bushe, Everything Theatre

“A well told tale.” William Russell, ReviewsGate

“It can be painful. It’s also brave.” Simon Jenner, FringeReview

“It is more than just a performance; it’s a brave and unflinching act of catharsis through storytelling.” Dave Bushe, Everything Theatre

“A poignant reflection on the greater generational trauma of conflict in Ireland, peppered with personal tragedy.” Olivia Perrett, West End Best Friend

“A one-man show that feels anything but lonely.” Paul Squirrel, Squirrp

“A testament to the strength of love, and undeniably, to the rehabilitating power of art, and theatre.” Alice Henderson, JaDar 

“Conaghan transforms his personal grief into something universal, offering a raw examination of trauma, resilience, and the enduring power of connection.” Dave Bushe, Everything Theatre

“The lasting impact of trauma is investigated with thoughtfulness and humour.” Chelsea Du Toit, A Young(ish) Perspective  

“Harrowing, and painfully effective.” Alice Henderson, JaDar

“This isn’t just a personal story. It’s a cultural reckoning, too.” Paul Squirrel, Squirrp

“Striking and moving.” Dave Bushe, Everything Theatre

“A testimony both very moving and frequently funny.” William Russell, ReviewsGate

“Moving, provocative.” Paul Squirrel, Squirrp

“A brave and intensely personal exploration of grief and loss in the long shadow of the Troubles.” Dave Bushe, Everything Theatre

“This is not a personal tirade or a self-pitying moan, but a knotty grappling with the sunken bodily effects of horror and trauma.” Olivia Perrett, West End Best Friend

“A rich and layered exploration of trauma and reconciliation.” Monica Cox, The Reviews Hub 

“Ruairi Conaghan’s solo performance, currently at the cosy and unpretentious Finborough Theatre, is a raw, deeply personal exploration of grief, healing, and the stories we carry.” Paul Squirrel, Squirrp 

“A story worth telling today and one which needs to be told time and again.” William Russell, ReviewsGate

“A short, poignant, heart wrenching reminder that the impact of conflict continues to be felt for generations not only by those who experienced it, but by the community at large.” Chelsea Du Toit, A Young(ish) Perspective

“Would I recommend Lies Where It Falls? Absolutely.” Paul Squirrel, Squirrp

“Ruairi Conaghan’s writing is tightly structured, plot-driven and seamlessly weaves multiple narrative threads.” Monica Cox, The Reviews Hub

“A fascinating and moving piece of writing, imaginatively and poignantly performed.” John Groves, LondonTheatre1

“A powerful anecdote about the Troubles and its impact.” Liam O’Dell

“Ruairi’s passionate, energetic and oddly funny play offers an incredibly open and honest exploration of trauma and mental health.” Chelsea Du Toit, A Young(ish) Perspective

“His voice carries an entire cast of memories, reflections, and ghosts.” Paul Squirrel, Squirrp

“Ruari Conaghan has nowhere to hide in every sense. He exudes the charismatic of 100 watts cosplaying a glowing 40, then hits you between the eyes.” Simon Jenner, FringeReview

“Conaghan delivers a restrained yet powerful performance, seamlessly multi-roling with subtle shifts and a straight-faced intensity.” Monica Cox, The Reviews Hub

“Powerful storytelling and remarkable honesty.” Paul Squirrel, Squirrp

“Conaghan has the audience sitting in rapt attention, a born storyteller who can make us first laugh then hit hard by the feeling of grief.” Dave Bushe, Everything Theatre

“Powerful… a vulnerable portrayal of self.” Alice Henderson, JaDar

“His ability to connect is extraordinary, seamlessly blending humour into the heartache and finding light even in the darkest corners.” Paul Squirrel, Squirrp

“He builds an evocative world…remarkably dynamic… Moments of understated humour.” Monica Cox, The Reviews Hub

“Ruairi Conaghan takes us on a deeply personal journey.” Dave Bushe, Everything Theatre

“Conaghan’s connection with the audience never wavers.” Paul Squirrel, Squirrp

“Conghan has enormous aplomb and… works every nuance, offhand and casual inflection.” Simon Jenner, FringeReview

“His sincerity and vulnerability keep us invested.” Paul Squirrel, Squirrp

“Passionately performed.” Holly O’Mahony, The Stage

“Conaghan is an engaging performer who brings a sparkling, wry humour to his own words.” Olivia Perrett, West End Best Friend

“There’s a quiet brilliance in Conaghan’s ability to keep us firmly in his corner, even as the play asks us to walk the tightrope of moral ambiguity.” Paul Squirrel, Squirrp

“His multi-faceted performance is a delight to watch and his control over his audience is complete.” William Russell, ReviewsGate

“Performed with passion, this is essentially a story of a mental war – one that its creator is still bravely fighting.” Holly O’Mahony, The Stage 

“Conaghan’s storytelling is magnetic – he isn’t just reciting events; he’s living them, moment by moment, in front of us.” Paul Squirrel, Squirrp

“Portrays the arduous journey toward forgiveness and peace with sensitivity and depth.” Monica Cox, The Reviews Hub

“Conaghan skilfully multi-roles.” Dave Bushe, Everything Theatre

“It’s rare to see a performer so open, so unguarded, as Ruairi Conaghan is in this piece.” Paul Squirrel, Squirrp

“The play is greatly aided by the subtle, ever-changing, lighting design of Chris Corner.” John Groves, LondonTheatre1

“Movement director Dylan Quinn has done an excellent job of keeping this one-man show dynamic.” Olivia Perrett, West End Best Friend

“Intricate design work from Juliette Demoulin.” Liam O’Dell

“Juliette Demoulin’s simple yet evocative set.” John Groves, LondonTheatre1

“The Finborough Theatre, with its intimate layout and no-nonsense charm, is the perfect stage for this kind of storytelling.” Paul Squirrel, Squirrp

“Juliette Demoulin’s set, with a bloodstained floor and a wall of old IRA newsprint stories, partially covered by paint, encapsulates the notion that emotional trauma is like an unshakeable memory, etched into our psyche as physical scars are to our bodies.” Holly O’Mahony, The Stage 

“Yet another success for the Finborough Theatre.” John Groves, LondonTheatre1

“Another feather in the cap of the Finborough Theatre, proud champion of lesser-heard voices.” Olivia Perrett, West End Best Friend