This new Irish play (by Shona McCarthy) is set in the Claddagh, a fishing village beside Galway city in the west of Ireland, in the 1920s and 1930s. Jo (Siobhan Donnellan), the main character, is an eight-year-old girl, who narrates the story of her dysfunctional parents through her own eyes. Gradually her family's dark secret is revealed and its tragic ultimate consequences become clear.

The decision to make an eight-year-old girl the dominant voice gives the whole play a certain magical quality, aided by the adult Siobhan Donnellan's complete transformation into the child's character, whose wide-eyed enthusiasm and innocence bring bundles of lightness to what would otherwise be a very grim tale.

Fiachra O Dubhghaill expertly renders not just his main characters of Jo's father and his usurper, the villainous Teresa Naughton, but five others of varying gender and age who bring humour and variety to the story. Paula Dempsey as Jo's mother is suitably intense and absorbing.

The story itself, while new writing, is very much in the tradition of early 20th century Irish literature, with its mixture of laughter and tears - and is a worthy addition to that venerable lexicon. Holding the attention without effort, it also instils a curiosity about the period and is a fitting tribute to a historic community.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Paula Dempsey - Mam / Queen of Sheba. Siobhan Donnellan - Jo. Fiachra O Dubhghaill - Daddy / Mikey / Granny / Teresa Naughton / Priest / Micheal Flaherty / Townee Man.

Company Credits: Writer / Director - Shona McCarthy. Set Construction / Lighting Technician - Sean Dolan. Digital Imaging / Design - Orla Kirwan. Company - Dragonfly Theatre.

END

(c) Colman Higgins 2007

reviewed Thursday 13 September 07 / Dublin

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008