The photo above captures a very funny scene in British playwright Bridget O’Connor’s play, ‘The Flags’. Two dodgy lifesavers, JJ and Howie, are fumbling around trying to save the life of a beautiful, unconscious woman, curiously dressed in full bridal regalia, who was drowning in the beach that they patrol.

With its premise of two bungling Irish lifesavers patrolling one of Ireland’s roughest beaches, ‘The Flags’ is perfectly set-up to be a side splitting, physical kind of comedy. This, however, isn’t the way O’Connor’s piece works. This is a strong piece that weaves a dark, sinister tale around its humour. Maggie Scott’s fanciful, engaging production for the Insomniac Theatre Company is the play’s Australian premiere.

It’s hard to think of a better venue, for a play, set deep in Ireland, than the lounge area of a pub! I enjoyed the play relaxed, informal presentation. Scott cordoned off one of the Cat and Fiddle’s lounge areas into an intimate theatre space with a minimal stage area, props and lighting. The audience enjoyed partaking of the ale and pub food as the drama unfolded.

The homely atmosphere seemed to bring out the best in the actors, who all gave warm, focused performances. In the leading role, Andrew Mead impressed in the lead role as the charismatic, compulsive JJ. Mead was well supported by Scott Grimley as his vulnerable, easily led colleague Howie, Elizabeth Rutter as the officious local Leisure Services Inspector, Brenda, and Brooke Davidson as the damsel in distress.

The Insomniac Theatre Company’s production of ‘The Flags’ plays the Cat and Fiddle Hotel until March 21 with performances Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons.