Category Archives: Theatre

Musical review: ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’

Australia, Gay, Musical Theatre, Theatre,

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Once upon a time (in the 1990s) in a hemisphere far, far away there appeared a holy trinity of outsider films from the country of Australia. All featured the legendary actor Bill Hunter, and each of them is among my all-time favourite films. ‘Strictly Ballroom’; ‘The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert’ and ‘Muriel’s Wedding’ exist individually as brilliant films, but as a grouping is an incomparable troika of cinematic brilliance. All three have been adapted as stage musicals. This week the Bord Gais Energy Theatre in Dublin is staging ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’. Last night I attended the show. Continue reading Musical review: ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ →

Theatrical: ‘Well that’s what I heard’

Dublin, Theatre, Uncategorized,

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For my last theatrical outing of the year, I went to the Project Arts Centre this afternoon for the matinee performance of ‘Well that’s what I heard’ by the Breadline Collective. Written and directed by Thommas Kane Byrne (who I’d seen acting in ‘Dublin will show you how’ at the Complex in April), this show originally ran in 2018 at Theatre Upstairs before its revival in the Cube space at the Project this week. Continue reading Theatrical: ‘Well that’s what I heard’ →

Theatrical: ‘A Christmas carol’ at the Gate

Theatre, Uncategorized, , ,

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the theatre. When the aim of the show playing is not to educate the public, or to revolutionise the theatrical artform, but instead to please the masses with accessible, entertaining shows. Attending the theatre as often as I do, has shortened by patience for ‘brave’ or ‘groundbreaking’ works – despite the best intentions the results can be very lacklustre. Not so the Christmas shows – these tend to be long running productions that are required to appeal to a wide audience for extended runs. And to set the playhouse up with a healthy budget for the year ahead, no doubt? Having been impressed with the hilarious ‘Drama at Inish’ in the Abbey a few weeks ago, my expectations of the Dickens’ seasonal classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Gate were high. Continue reading Theatrical: ‘A Christmas carol’ at the Gate →

Theatrical: ‘Class’ the play is a class play

Theatre, Uncategorized

class

The play ‘Class’ by Iseult Golden and David Horan was first performed in the Civic Theatre in Tallaght as part of the 2017 Dublin Theatre Festival. In early 2018 it transferred to the Peacock in Abbey for a further run. I had wanted to see it here but it was fully sold out. Later that year it wowed audiences at the Edinburgh Festival. Roll on to 2019, and the play toured to Cardiff and London, before touring Ireland for the month of November. In other words it’s a smash hit. Last night was the final night of this incarnation of the work, back where is all began at the Civic in Tallaght. I had a ticket. My anticipation was high. Continue reading Theatrical: ‘Class’ the play is a class play →

Theatrical: ‘Drama at Inish’

Theatre, Uncategorized, , ,

inish

The Abbey Theatre can be a magical place. Ireland’s national theatre has been my theatre of choice this year. In part because of its close proximity to my house. In part because of its ingenious scheme of offering free of charge first preview performances, many of which I have availed myself. In part because I feel like it belongs to the people of Dublin – being state funded. As a result I see almost everything that is staged at this playhouse. Last night I went to see ‘Drama at Inish’ – the tenth show I have seen on the main stage this year (along with a further six productions on the smaller Peacock Stage’.) Continue reading Theatrical: ‘Drama at Inish’ →

Theatrical: ‘Pale sister’ by Colm Toibin

Theatre, Uncategorized, ,

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In the interest of full disclosure, before I begin this review I acknowledge that Colm Toibin is one of my favourite writers. I’ve read all his fiction – in novel and short story form; as well as most of his non-fiction and travel writing. His fiction tends to be sparse in style, but written in such a manner that there are orchestras playing between the lines. When I heard that he was writing a play for the Gate Theatre, I immediately booked a ticket. Continue reading Theatrical: ‘Pale sister’ by Colm Toibin →

Theatrical: ‘Faultline’

Dublin, Gay, Ireland, Theatre, Uncategorized, ,

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‘Faultline’ is a new site-specific, immersive co-production between ANU and the Gate Theatre. Set in a Georgian building at number 11 Parnell Square East, the audience of twelve is divided into two groups and placed among the performers in a re-imagined gay bar; in the headquarters of the Irish Gay Rights movement in the early 1980s – which was in reality located in a few rooms in a similar building on the other side of the square; and in a cottage (a men’s public lavatory which was how many gay men hooked up with each other in those criminal days.) Continue reading Theatrical: ‘Faultline’ →

Theatrical: ‘The Beacon’

Theatre, Uncategorized, , ,

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Another evening, another play. This time the Gate Theatre (notorious for its uncomfortable seating) to see ‘The Beacon’ by Nancy Harris. My ticket was not free – I paid for the honour of a front row seat – the cheapest row in the house. I can’t understand why this is. I always make a beeline for the front row. I like to be close enough to the stage to see the spittle from the actors’ mouths. Continue reading Theatrical: ‘The Beacon’ →