Irish Theatre Players One Act Season

The Irish Theatre Players have returned to their original home, the Irish Club of WA, for their latest season, a series of short plays. Renowned for their excellent hospitality and wonderful suppers or afternoon teas, the original venue allows ITP to continue this loved and warm tradition.

A Yearning for Homeby Sean Byrne is the story of a retired Irish couple who have resided happily in Australia, for forty years, until Dan decides that he wants to be buried in his ancestral homeland. A sweet rom-com of sorts, it features real-life couple Marian Byrne and Niall O’Toole as bickering but loving couple Mags and Dan. Well directed by Dale James, the pair work beautifully together to tell this lovely little tale.

Like its stablemates, Caught Inside by Therese Edmonds is a new locally written play, set in Perth and Margaret River. Former surfer Lochie sets off for Yalls to scatter the ashes of an old mate, but discovers a side of himself that he would rather not see. A little hard to like this play, because the central character Lachie (possibly too well played by Michael Balmer) is, for most of the play, so narcissistic, obnoxious and selfish that we really are hoping he might drown. Despite this issue there are some admirable performances, including Hilary Readings’ distressed and lovely Kate, Vee McGuire’s likeable bookseller Chris, newcomer Shivas Lindsay’s self-aware Rowdy and Mark Tilly’s well voiced Mick. Paul Taylor-Byrne directs this well.

The final offering is No Room to Party, the debut play by Harry Davies, and the first time in the director’s chair for Aidan Murphy. While at times the inexperience is evident, there is also lots of promise from both writer and director. A hard working performance under heavy vampire makeup from Mark Tilly as Stephen, nicely paired with a very strong Jessica Warrniner as Sam. Solid supporting performances from Maddy Brehney (Louise) and Brian O’Donovan (Gav), with welcome stage debuts by Mark O Conchobhair as Stinchcomb and Mervin Young as Dirk.

A varied offering from ITP and a successful first run’ back home'. We wish them a long and happy residence.

Kimberley Shaw