Who wouldn’t want to spend an evening in a country pub in Ireland listening to some good craic? If the discussion is about an attractive young woman who has moved into the village and is being shown around the countryside by the local entrepreneur, it can only add to a lively exchange of views.

The play opens with Jack, played forcefully by Peter McAllum, coming into the pub, escaping the howling wind, serving himself and putting money into the cash tin. He is obviously very at home in this charming little pub. The barman, Brendan, soon enters and starts the procedure of setting up the bar for the day’s trade. Lynden Jones’ performance as Brendan is humorous and thoughtful. Brendan lubricates the machinations of the play, ably assisted by Guinness, Harp and a short one of Jamesons. They are joined by Jim in a wonderful, understated role which is played with aplomb by Barry French. Their ruminations are about how foolish the married, middle aged Finbar looks driving the young lady around the county. Ironically and predictably the discussion of the three characters in the bar makes them all look similarly foolish, but simultaneously charming and engaging. The dialogue is rich, wordy and well written.

The local entrepreneur Finbar, played with a nice blend of bluster and foolishness by Patrick Connolly, arrives at the pub with Valerie, played by Amanda Stephens Lee. It seems to be a novelty for a young female to enter this venerated space and all the men flaunt their slightly decrepit masculinity.

A series of engaging monologues follow, in the form of Irish storytelling about fairies, spirits, ghosts and the old people. The stories reveal a truly tragic event has occurred and from the characters’ response the deeper humanity of the Irish community is displayed. It also shows the funny banter and earlier boastfulness is insignificant in the face of real tragedy. The resolution of this well structured drama is natural and gratifying.

The set is beautifully and authentically designed by Jessica Sinclair Martin.

Director Alice Livingstone has skilfully brought the excellent writing of Conor McPherson to the fore in this highly recommended performance.

The Weir opened at the New Theatre, 542 King Street, Newtown on 9th March and runs until 31st March.

© Mark Pigott

10th March, 2012

Tags: Sydney Theatre Reviews- THE WEIR- New Theatre, Newtown, Sydney Arts Guide, Mark Pigott