Irish Theatre Players One Acts 21

The Irish Theatre Players present three strong and varied short plays in the beautifully warm and friendly atmosphere of the Irish Club. An enjoyable and moving evening of entertainment.

The first in the trio is Still Lives, written by Tony Layton and directed thoughtfully by Alan Kennedy. I hesitate to call this well-acted little play bitter-sweet, as it leans more heavily on the “bitter” aspects, but it certainly has enough warmth to keep the audience engaged and involved. A tale of a marriage, it is played on a split stage with the older couple on one side, while another pair of actors play the same couple as the marriage progresses. Marian Byrne and Niall O’Toole play the couple later in life - creating a realistic, if sad relationship, while Madeleine Breheny and Mark Tilly play the younger versions of Maggie and Bob - with an ever disintegrating relationship - very well-drawn and portrayed.

After interval were treated to a lovely little romantic comedy, set entirely on a bus. Bockey’s Bridge is a locally written play by Seán Byrne, directed by Denice Byrne. A chance meeting between Irish Catholic schoolgirl Ger, and Rhodesian immigrant schoolboy Gordon, who happens to be Protestant, is a lovely little tale of forbidden romance and the contrast between thought and spoken word. Gorgeously acted by Mary Del Casale and Curig Jenkins, with lovely accent work from both, this is a little charmer that just delights. My only distraction was that the beautiful projections from the rear-view window of the bus; although a lovely touch, they were clearly too modern for a show (that from socio-political evidence) was set in the 1970s. The show is otherwise a delight and a minor set malfunction opening night was handled with grace and professionalism.

The final production is the moving, beautifully written and interpreted Sea Wall, written by Simon Stephens and directed by Andrew Baker. A moving mono-play about family, relationships and loss, it is performed superbly by Paul Davey on the floor and bare stage. A wonderful acting performance, Paul Davey keeps his audience engrossed throughout.

A very impressive, well-curated and enjoyable one-act season. There is some heavy subject matter, but this is an uplifting and entertaining night at the theatre.

Kimberley Shaw