Lovers: Winners
Lovers: Winners and Losers is a play by one of Ireland’s foremost playwrights, Brian Friel. Originally designed as a double bill, Fremantle’s PAANDA (Performing Arts at Notre Dame) have chosen to just present Winners - the stronger of the two pieces, and a great choice for this young company.
Set on a hillside outside the Irish town of Ballymore, a young couple prepare for their final school exams. A man and a woman narrate and comment on the scene, in a detached manner. We learn that the teenagers are Margaret Mary Enright and Joseph Michael Brennan, known as Mag and Joe, and that they are to be married in exactly three weeks.
A gently drawn story, with beautiful exposition, the central characters in PAANDA’s production are played by Sophie Kelly and Aryan Gupta.
Aryan is strong as the studious and serious Joe, charting a lovely journey for his character. Interestingly, this production takes an interval when Joe is at his lowest point and is at his most disagreeable, and even cruel. When run without an interval, this passes quickly, but a break at this point - extends this idea. A credit to Aryan, and director Christopher Alvaro that his character ends the play redeemed and well liked. The intimacy between this Mag and Joe feels natural and safe, as co-ordinated by Orla-Jean Poole.
Sophie Kelly is an outstanding Maggie. Physically tiny, she dominates the stage with a huge presence, and seemingly effortless Irish prattle, delivered with beautiful timing and charm. A beautifully layered characterisation. Sophie suffered a medical episode during the first ten minutes of the final preview. After a break to allow her to recover, the play restarted and was performed seemingly without a hitch. Well done to Sophie and the rest of the cast and crew for continuing and performing so well after such an event.
The supporting roles of Man and Woman are played with gravitas by Rebekah O’Brien and Jake Battle. Challenging roles that are vital to the story, but without glory - these actors did an admirable job.
A top-notch directorial debut from Christopher Alvaro, the production features a beautifully created hill setting, intelligent lighting, and a supportive sound design, all designed by the director.
Patrons can enjoy the newly renovated Prindiville Hall before the show and at interval, and the front of house at PAANDA is, as always, very welcoming. A beautiful bitter-sweet little play that will touch your heart.
Kimberley Shaw
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