Asia News .Com.Pk

Having seen Keith Barry interviewed during the year on Tonight with Craig Doyle, I had some idea of what to expect from the mentalist in his new show ‘The Asylum.’ What I didn’t expect was to be greeted outside the Olympia by Max – a man in an orange jumpsuit and facemask reminiscent of the one which was made famous in Silence of the Lambs. From that point on, it was clear that this show was going to be something quite out of the ordinary, even for Barry.

The first thing that surprised me was the presence of a support act. Having entered the theatre, the audience were asked to take their seats, and were warmed up by the dulcet tones of up-and-coming Carlow-based band Cleere.  Playing a 4-song set, including their new single Sick Day, they were undoubtedly a crowd pleasing, feel good troupe, which made everyone relax slightly in what was a very tense atmosphere.

As the show’s name suggests, its content revolves around psychiatric institutions from the 1800s, their inmates and the horrific ‘treatments’ to which they were subjected. Before Barry took to the stage, to thunderous applause, a video was played which showed images of these inhumane treatments and also some of the people who were forced to endure them, really adding to the atmosphere. read more