REVIEW
Playboy of the Western World
Southend Shakespeare Company
Dixon Studio, Southend
25th – 29th February 2020
Directed by Cathy Memery
Playboy of the Western World
Southend Shakespeare Company
Dixon Studio, Southend
25th – 29th February 2020
Directed by Cathy Memery
Opening nights of amateur productions can often be a difficult experience. There is always a twinkling of nerves shared between both the actors and audience – wondering whether the next two hours will be well received or awkwardly endured. Luckily, Southend Shakespeare Company are well versed now in opening nights (having officially formed in 1951), and their recent production of ‘The Playboy of the Western World’ by J.M. Synge oozes confidence, competence and is about as near to a professional production as an amateur group can be.
Set in the West Coast of Ireland, the play opens inside Flaherty’s tavern. A humble and charming set which implies a simple village and a close-knit community, where the townsfolk gather to tell tales of ages past and sip from the glass of joys discovered from life’s simplest pleasures.
Stumbling into that peaceful world comes Christy Mahon, a charismatic young bachelor (Elliot Bigden absolutely shines) with an engaging tale of skillful heroism – who quickly wins over the hearts of the townsfolk – the women especially – notably barmaid Pegeen Mike (the wonderfully warm Ali Graves). Christy claims to have killed his father in a daring act of expert proficiency and his flair for storytelling captivates the village. Whilst I don’t want to say anymore about the progression of the story, needless to say it wouldn’t be much of a story if everything were as it seems.
The cast are impeccably capable. They effectively have to learn a new language (the programme helpfully includes a few words that may help with translation, although it’s normally fairly self-explanatory) and hold their thick Irish accents throughout. Whilst not always perfect – it is clear a lot of time has been spent focusing on what for many may have been their first attempts at a regional accent, and their dedication shows. Not only that, but the fact that such passion and colour can be conveyed in their language whilst maintaining the dialect so well is an achievement every member of the cast (especially accent coach Jen Puddick) should be applauded for.
The show was hugely enjoyable, and the high energy and animated performances were constantly engaging. The story is compelling and intriguing and the rapport between actors a joy to watch. The show brings laughs and excitement, tension and drama and was a real surprise delight for a Tuesday night.
In 1907 there were Riots at the original opening night of ‘The Playboy of the Western World’. Irish Nationalists and Republicans thought the play was an offense to public morals and an insult against Ireland. Luckily the crowd that had gathered on this cold Tuesday night at the Dixon Studio were somewhat more sedentary (although I did see a few elder chaps with sticks which ensured I kept my wits about me). But they had no need to riot – for they already had their tickets. However I believe the Saturday matinee is already sold out, and with only a few tickets remaining for Friday, hurry now before the riots really begin.
Review: Michael Reddihough
The Playboy of the Western World is playing at the Dixon Studio, Southend, from 25th – 29th February 2020
Tickets: www.southendtheatres.org.uk
Set in the West Coast of Ireland, the play opens inside Flaherty’s tavern. A humble and charming set which implies a simple village and a close-knit community, where the townsfolk gather to tell tales of ages past and sip from the glass of joys discovered from life’s simplest pleasures.
Stumbling into that peaceful world comes Christy Mahon, a charismatic young bachelor (Elliot Bigden absolutely shines) with an engaging tale of skillful heroism – who quickly wins over the hearts of the townsfolk – the women especially – notably barmaid Pegeen Mike (the wonderfully warm Ali Graves). Christy claims to have killed his father in a daring act of expert proficiency and his flair for storytelling captivates the village. Whilst I don’t want to say anymore about the progression of the story, needless to say it wouldn’t be much of a story if everything were as it seems.
The cast are impeccably capable. They effectively have to learn a new language (the programme helpfully includes a few words that may help with translation, although it’s normally fairly self-explanatory) and hold their thick Irish accents throughout. Whilst not always perfect – it is clear a lot of time has been spent focusing on what for many may have been their first attempts at a regional accent, and their dedication shows. Not only that, but the fact that such passion and colour can be conveyed in their language whilst maintaining the dialect so well is an achievement every member of the cast (especially accent coach Jen Puddick) should be applauded for.
The show was hugely enjoyable, and the high energy and animated performances were constantly engaging. The story is compelling and intriguing and the rapport between actors a joy to watch. The show brings laughs and excitement, tension and drama and was a real surprise delight for a Tuesday night.
In 1907 there were Riots at the original opening night of ‘The Playboy of the Western World’. Irish Nationalists and Republicans thought the play was an offense to public morals and an insult against Ireland. Luckily the crowd that had gathered on this cold Tuesday night at the Dixon Studio were somewhat more sedentary (although I did see a few elder chaps with sticks which ensured I kept my wits about me). But they had no need to riot – for they already had their tickets. However I believe the Saturday matinee is already sold out, and with only a few tickets remaining for Friday, hurry now before the riots really begin.
Review: Michael Reddihough
The Playboy of the Western World is playing at the Dixon Studio, Southend, from 25th – 29th February 2020
Tickets: www.southendtheatres.org.uk