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Shining City - Octagon Theatre
By Andrew Mosley
This
regional premiere of Conor McPherson's Shining City is certainly one for those
who love dialogue rather than drama.
It is gripping, difficult to fathom and, without being action-packed, has
plenty of twists and turns.
It is Becketsian in style, with long and slowly revealing discussions between
therapist Ian and client John.
There is a ghost, too, but, as is typical with ghosts, you're not likely to
see it - or are you?
John's wife has died and he's scared to go home as he keeps seeing her ghostly
figure.
He has confessions to make too, and these are haunting him even more.
George Irving brilliantly and slowly reveals his character, who is nervy and
traumatised, but keen enough to seek out a future to book himself appointments
with a therapist.
That man is ex-priest Ian, who, it turns out, has issues himself.
Paul McCleary is excellent as the edgy therapist who, despite attempting to
come across as a regular guy, is in the process of dumping his pregnant partner.
He is confused, doesn't really know what he wants from life and seeks solace
in the company of a rent boy, convincingly played by Conor Michael Ryan.
Ian's partner, the hopeful, but possibly deluded Neasa, played by Maireed
Conneely, is shocked to be cast aside, but the actress will return later with
a surprise of her own.
A haunting play, in more ways than one.
Octagon Theatre, Shining City.
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