Nine characters - almost all of whom inhabit the edges of society - occupy the stage in a group photo stance for the entire 90 minutes of this black comedy. Each takes it in turn to deliver several monologues about their lives up to this and what they're up to now, occasionally relating in two-handers to some of the other characters.

By the middle of the play it becomes clear that most of them are connected in some way to a family feud, where one family throws eggs at another. The feud itself is bizarre - and is resolved to an extent in the end - but it doesn't really matter, as it seems to be more of a device to tie together a band of interesting and hilarious, but largely unrelated characters.

Each could be a stereotype, but most are given a delicious twist to make them interesting - and funny - enough to stand up on their own as monologues. For example, the husband-beater peels eggs all day for a living, the policeman has a nun fetish and the joyrider is afraid of spiders. While the storyline is loose, the characters themselves make it an entertaining night on their own.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Niamh Callaghan - The Girl Guide. Valerie Coyne - The Doorwoman. Warren Faye - The Escort. David Fennelly - The Policeman. Patrick Fegan - The Beaten Husband. Trish Fitzpatrick - The Husband Beater. Sinead Gibney - The Ex-Nun. Yuliy Gusev - The Joyrider. David Layde - The Taxi Driver.

Company Credits: Writer / Director - Neil Watkins. Production Manager - Martin Cahill. Set Design - Clyde Doyle. Lighting - Derek O'Neill. Costumes - Orla Bass. Graphics - Will St. Leger. Programme Design - Pony. Stage Manager - Caoimhe Regan. Lighting Operator - Emma Regan. PR - Maura Howe.. Producer - Louise Kiely. Company - Gentle Giant Theatre Company.

END

(c) Colman Higgins 2007

reviewed evening Thursday 20 September 07 / Dublin

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008