This evening was an evening of magic. My very first time at the Abbey Theatre Main Stage, where I saw the Corn Exchange’s revival of ‘Dublin by lamplight’.

The Abbey Theatre is the national theatre of Ireland and devotes itself to showing work by Irish writers – both old and new. Less mainstream pieces get shown on the Peacock Stage – the smaller theatre in the basement of the building. The main stage is a larger venue. It represents a certain achievement in Irish theatre.  If you’ve played the Abbey main stage then you are a theatrical force to be reckoned with. DAHling. It’s true that the Bord Gais Energy Theatre is a far larger venue than the Abbey, but its schedule, is devoted to West End Musicals. It is the type of venue which sells buckets of popcorn and barrels of cola at the interval. The Abbey is snootier.

I was feeling all sophisticated with my ten euro ‘early bird’ front row ticket. Theoretically the show does not open until Tuesday. Saturday and Monday are merely preview performances. Which is a strange notion – a show that is a revival of a show, and which is only playing for two weeks really ought to be ready before the first show. I wasn’t complaining – I was paying a mere tenner for the privilege.

‘Dublin by lamplight’ was written by Michael West. It was originally staged in 2004 and directed by Annie Ryan. That year was the centenary year for the Abbey Theatre. ‘Dublin by lamplight’ told a fictional tale of the setting up of the national theatre in the turbulent times of 1904. This fictionalised version – while chaotic and farcical – is not much of an exaggeration on the real life beginnings of the Abbey.

The play is told in a commedia dell’arte style. The six characters are all heightened versions of stock characters – a dissolute, fey leading man Martyn Wallace (played by Paul Reid); a fading leading lady Eva St. Jean (played by Karen Egan); the theatrical producer Willie Hayes (Louis Lovett); his brother -the leading man in the first play to be staged in the ‘Irish National Theatre of Ireland – Frank Hayes (Gus McDonagh); a serving wench and costume assistant Maggie (Catherine Ennis) and carpenter Jimmy Finnegan (Colin Campbell).

It is a triumph of a show. Hysterically funny and tragic at the same time, this is not a subtle piece of theatre. Wearing garish make-up each character is a caricature of a certain type of person in the theatrical world. Each narrates their own story, while speaking to the audience at all times. This motley crew of people are attempting to establish a national theatre and to stage the premiere of a new play ‘The Wooing of Emer’ – a tale about Irish mythical legend Cuchulainn. It is set against the backdrop of growing resentment of the colonial power in control of Ireland; the king’s visit and a rising republican sentiment.

Between them they don’t have a pot to piss in, but they are up for the struggle.

It takes a much darker tone after the interval – although remaining hilarious until almost the end, when the sorrow of these characters’ situations is emphasised.

The cast was solid throughout – each bringing a sense of believability and pathos to their role. In particular I loved Karen Egan and Paul Red’s performances. My least favourite characters were Maggie and Jimmy. This had nothing to do with the actors – both of whom gave wonderful performances. It’s just that I am sick of the theatrical trope that requires any play set in Dublin to feature plucky young urchins with thick Dublin accents, a sharp wit, and a desire to overcome their humble circumstances. These characters are meant to be lovable. Personally I would much rather see a character from the country trying to survive in Dublin – these people have always existed. Apparently true blue, salt of the earth Dublin characters,  with their tiresome pluck are preferred. This is a small complaint.

The piano accompaniment throughout the play by Conor Linehan is threatening and atmospheric. This was one of the best evenings at the theatre I have enjoyed in a long time.

It is playing in the Abbey until April 1^st. I would highly recommend it.