Saturday, May 17, 2014

Turnaround Productions, 'On City Water Hill'

An IFTA-winning producer thinks big as he seeks help from a hitman for his next feature.

Theatre Upstairs
May 6-17


I don't have time to do a full review of On City Water Hill by Philip St John.

Set on a hillside overlooking Dublin, the play presents an exchange between an IFTA-winning producer and a professional hitman. The producer (in a furious turn from Neil Fleming) claims to be researching for a big screen feature.

What unravels is a revenge thriller with one major problem - if there is a clear hero in Pat Nolan's hitman we never worry or root for him. While it sees male violence being industrialised, the play doesn't deliver any powerful insight into such a reality. It feels more like a polemic, as the producer - a walking epitome of Celtic Tiger ideals - ends up with a gun to his head. 

The playwright hasn't gripped the emotional arcs of the work (Fleming is blasting his material to pieces trying to make it transform). Weaknesses in the writing aside, the performances are quite solid. Liam Halligan's direction moves things along smoothly and Laura Kelly's brave set design doesn't seek naturalistic conviction, as symmetrical blue panels tacked to the theatre wall suggest a sky. It makes you wonder if On City Water Hill would be better off with a more stylised form.


What did everybody else think?

Friday, May 16, 2014

Project Arts Centre, 'Boys and Girls': Here Comes the Night Time

From Dublin's spoken word scene, Dylan Coburn Gray's verse drama sets four college students loose for a night. 

May 13-17
Project Arts Centre


My review of Boys and Girls by Dylan Coburn Gray coming up just as soon it's unreal how painfully sexy your cigarette is ...


Super Paua, 'Aunty Ben': Across the Starboard Bow

Ireland's first LGBT play for children is at the political helm of the gay theatre festival. Photo: Krystin Healy

The Teacher's Club, International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival
5, 10 & 17 May


My review of Auntie Ben by Sian Ní Mhuirí coming up just as soon as I leave my Christmas decorations up all year round ...

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Áine Flanagan Productions, 'Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho': Skirts of Yesteryear

The Iron Lady certainly is for turning in this crackling drag comedy. 

The New Theatre, International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival
May 12-17


My review of Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho by Matt Tedford and Jon Brittain coming up just as soon as I desperately search in need of a private members club ... 


Acting Out, 'Tits Up!': Sweet Suburbia

Ignorance isn't bliss in Sean Denyer's delightful comedy of manners. 

The Outhouse, International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival
May 5-8


My review of Tits Up! by Sean Denyer coming up just as soon as I know the score to Les Misérables (including the harmonies) ...

International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, 'Man Enough'

An 18-year-old embraces his out-and-proud lifestyle. Just don't fall for the coke-addicted rent boy. 

Teacher's Club
May 9-10


My review of Man Enough by Dan Peter Reeves coming up just as soon I serve salmon for breakfast ...

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, 'At the Flash'

A one-man show about American LGBT history reveals its rigour. Has much changed in the last 5 decades?

The Outhouse
May 5-10


My review of At the Flash by Sean Chandler and David Leeper coming just as soon as I thank you for cancelling underwear night ...

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, 'Eirebrushed'

Why was Elizabeth O'Farrell airbrushed out of the 1916 surrender photograph (only her feet remain, see bottom right)? The International Gay Theatre Festival opens with Brian Merriman's play about the gay heroes of that revolutionary year.


The New Theatre,
May 5-10


My review of Eirebrushed by Brian Merriman coming up just as soon as I'm the first confirmed sex tourist ...

Monday, May 5, 2014

Abbey Theatre, 'Twelfth Night': By the Roses of the Spring

A modern telling of Shakespeare's comedy might just break new ground. Photo: Ros Kavanagh.


Abbey Theatre
Apr 30-May 24


My review of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare coming up just as soon as I cross-garter in a fashion you protest ...

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Bigger Picture Projects, 'Small Plastic Wars': For What Died the Sons of Róisín

An unemployed man throws himself into a hobby of plastic model-making in Pat McGrath's physical play. But when tension is placed will he snap?

The New Theatre
Apr 28-May 3


My review of Small Plastic Wars by Pat McGrath coming up just as soon as I get home in time for The Wire on TV ...