Facing a terminal illness with humor and courage: Michael Patrick’s extraordinary journey on stage
Michael Patrick, a gifted actor and playwright from Belfast, is confronting a harsh reality that few of us can truly imagine — living with motor neurone disease and a prognosis of just four years. In his latest one-man show, he channels this tough truth through a darkly humorous and deeply personal narrative, incorporating a striking scene from King Lear’s storm to capture the urgency of his situation. “Do it now” isn’t just a line; it’s a rallying cry for Patrick as he embraces every moment with raw honesty and creative resilience.
This powerful script, crafted alongside his longtime collaborator Oisín Kearney, unpacks how the diagnosis shook his world, his participation in an international drug trial, and his determination to thrive despite daunting odds. Directed by Kearney with a subtle, confident hand, the production’s minimalist setup — a stark black curtain backdrop — allows Patrick’s words, infused with the voices of his loved ones and memories sparked by snippets of songs and Shakespeare, to come alive vividly.
Patrick’s sense of humor shines through when he jokes about being a “diversity hire” for roles since losing the use of his right leg. This cheeky social media comment became a turning point, catching the attention of Belfast’s Lyric Theatre, which invited him to step into the role of Richard III last year. In a bold and thought-provoking adaptation he co-wrote with Kearney, Patrick played the infamous king as a disabled character in a portrayal that was anything but a token gesture.
Watching him navigate the stage in his advanced wheelchair, sharing anecdotes with a wry, fearless candor about living as “a dying man,” it becomes clear that for Michael, the line between performance and life is beautifully blurred. On stage, he harnesses all his strength and presence, declaring, “For this hour, I’m the one in charge.” This moment of control and self-expression is as moving as it is empowering.
What truly sets Patrick apart is his refusal to let fear or frustration dominate his story. He openly discusses the harsh realities of his condition — the dependence on others for basic tasks like dressing and being lifted into bed — but never veers into self-pity. He admits he could have penned a bestselling memoir about his illness, yet chose theatre instead, because, like life, “theatre is there until it’s not.” This perspective adds a profound layer to his work, reminding us all of the fragile, fleeting nature of existence.
But here’s where it gets controversial... Should actors with disabilities be encouraged only to play roles that specifically mirror their conditions? Patrick’s success challenges the industry to rethink casting norms and pushes audiences to confront their own assumptions about disability and capability in the arts.
You can catch "My Right Foot" at Axis Ballymun in Dublin until October 10th, as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival, which lasts through October 12th. Afterward, the show moves to the Lyric Theatre in Belfast from October 12th to 15th. Will Michael Patrick’s fearless honesty and groundbreaking performances change how we understand disability on stage? What do you think — should disability always be central to a character, or does it risk limiting artistic freedom? Share your thoughts below!
