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Take two brothers, one owning the house in which they live, add Sibling rivalry, place it in the wilds of Ireland and let Martin McDonagh loose on the resulting play and you will get a great comedy. The Lonesome West is a black comedy that at times goes beyond funny. The pace is fast and the action unceasing until all is told.
Gareth Tudor Price has a great time with the direction in front of Designer Richard Foxton's set, as he lets Ged McKenna, as Coleman, go into goading conflict with Michael Glenn Murphy, as Valene his brother, in their small cottage in the backwater of Leenane, where time seems to have passed them by. These are two great comedy actors. A young priest Father Welsh, played by Vincent Patrick, tries to act as a mediator between the two brothers with his all sincere approach to the priesthood, but his task is unattainable, as is the case with most of his flock in this parish, as he soon finds out. He is tempted in his ministry and is in constant turmoil which is also tested by a young girl Girleen, played by Corinna Cunningham. We have conflicts with Virgin Mary statues, the poteen and a gas cooker. The unlikely mix gives you some idea of what you can expect when you mix in a shot gun and fights. Hilariously funny in that Irish way which only that race can achieve.
Do not miss this fine piece of writing. It is theatre at its best with just that pinch of magic. © BA
“The Lonesome West” is in Hull from the 24th February, 2005 to the 19th March, 2005. Car parking charge £1.
