Gathered around a rural family table in 1980’s Ireland, this raucous, thrilling drama is a tragic melting pot of warm heart and vengeful hate.
Organised, threatening exchanges in the opening scene leave a fearful undercurrent rumbling throughout the performance, testimony to Fergal McElherron’s slick attack and Charles Dale’s weak tussle between parish commitment and personal safety. This is fantastically juxtaposed when entering the Carney household, filled with cheekily buoyant children whose extensive direction within a fantastically detailed set brilliantly captures the busy activity of family meal times.
Within the clan, there are many exceptional performances. Will Houston’s early unseen basque in Caitlin’s beauty was entirely believable and crucial to the success of the entire play. In a terrifically silent scene, Caitlin and Mary’s perfectly judged glances of jealousy explained their simultaneous pain. Fra Fee matures as character and actor in later scenes, voicing his peaceful sensibilities with a level of calm that the scene requires. Loveable yet potentially dangerous, Ivan Kaye’s enormously naive Tom Kettle is a theatrical delight with each mystery object he reveals from his deep pockets. Special mention, though, goes to Dearbhla Molloy, whose miserable, twisted crow of an Aunt Pat poisoned each scene and innocent ear her cruel words befell, yet rounded her character with heartfelt grief and passion for Irish Freedom in a formidable display.
This rich, multi-layered, new writing is immensely engaging with an extremely strong cast painting a dark picture of how political unrest can destroy happy homes. For anyone visiting London this Winter, The Ferryman is a must see.
Gielgud Theatre, London
Until 19th May, Mon-Sat 7pm, Wed & Sat 1.30pm
£12 Day Seats Available from 10.30am
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