Promotional artwork on cliffs of the Irish Sea for The One Good Thing depicting two brothers embracing on cliffs overlooking the Irish Sea.

THE ONE GOOD THING,

or “Are Ya Patrick Swayze?”

Jamie and Tommy share a secluded cottage on the rugged coast of the Irish Sea. One morning, Jamie makes an astonishing declaration that turns their lives upside down. With pathos and humor, the brothers confront grief and guilt—and discover the healing power of memory, forgiveness, love, and second chances.

"There's something decidedly Conor McPherson about this gentle yet emotional tale...The ambiguity, tension and compassion ensure that the audience stay in rapt attention… Very little of our drama focuses on kindness as a central theme; yet Bravaco's play does and is all the more commendable for it."— British Theatre Guide

"A remarkably sensitive story of brotherly love... a poignant illustration of how the bonds of kin reverberate throughout time."— Washington City Paper

"A charming script... whimsy and heart, while never dipping into sentimentality."— DC Theatre Arts

"A play of tenderness, compassion and love... Moving in its exploration of grief, the afterlife and memory."— Connecticut Critics Circle

"Darkly funny and surprisingly emotional."— In the Wings 2.0

Critical Praise…

‍ ‍‍ ‍Testimonials…

“A Williamston Theatre show is something that will 'Make ‘em laugh, make 'em cry, and make ‘em call the people they love' and this piece ticks all those boxes." — Tony Caselli, Artistic Director, Williamston Theatre

"Beautifully crafted, full of Irish wit, emotional depth, and the kind of quiet revelations that stay with you long after the curtain falls... ultimately, touches the heart." — Mark Shanahan, Artistic Director, Westport Country Playhouse

"It’s a beautiful play that really moved me." — Roy Steinberg, Artistic Director, Cape May Stage

"What an amazing play!" — Kirsten Quinn, Board President, Irish Heritage Theatre

‍ Production History

World Premiere — East Riding Theatre, Beverley, UK (2025)

American Premiere — Washington Stage Guild, Washington, DC (2025)

Stables Theatre — Hastings, UK (2025)

Seven Angels Theatre — Waterbury, CT (2026)

Williamston Theatre — Williamston, MI (2026)

‍Awards

Winner — New Works Festival, East Riding Theatre (UK), 2024

Winner — New Writing Competition, Stables Theatre (UK), 2024

Winner — Long Beach Playhouse New Plays Festival, 2025

2nd Place — Carlow Little Theatre International Playwriting Competition (Ireland), 2024

Running Time: Approximately 95 minutes
Cast: 2 men
Setting: A cottage overlooking the Irish Sea.

Production Photographs

Production photo from Washington Stage Guild's production of The One Good Thing featuring Jamie and Tommy in the cottage kitchen.
Production photo from the Stables Theatre (UK) production of The One Good Thing showing Jamie and Tommy in a tense, emotional exchange.
Production photo from East Riding Theatre's UK premiere of The One Good Thing showing Jamie and Tommy in a quiet moment of reflection outside their cottage overlooking the Irish Sea.
Production photo from the New England premiere of The One Good Thing at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury, Connecticut, showing brothers Jamie and Tommy.
Production photo from Washington Stage Guild's production of The One Good Thing showing brothers Jamie and Tommy sharing a laugh in the cottage kitchen.
Jamie excitedly points to the laptop as Tommy smiles in the New England premiere of Joe Bravaco's The One Good Thing at Seven Angels Theatre
Production photo from East Riding Theatre's UK premiere of The One Good Thing showing Jamie and Tommy relaxing together outside their cottage overlooking the Irish Sea.
Production photo from the U.S. premiere of The One Good Thing at Washington Stage Guild, showing brothers Jamie and Tommy in an animated conversation inside their cottage kitchen.
Tommy in a contemplative mood in The One Good Thing , or Are Ya Patrick Swayze?

Production photographs courtesy of East Riding Theatre, Stables Theatre, Seven Angels Theatre, and Washington Stage Guild, Washington Stage Guild photography by Teresa Castracane Photography. Seven Angels photography by Constantine Pappas (@constandpappas) East Riding Theatre photography by John Ellerington