A play so dark the audience was torn between those bellowing with laughter at the gallows humour and those transfixed by the wild violence.
I had the pleasure of seeing Martin McDonagh's 'A Skull In Connemara' mid-way through its run at the Oldham Coliseum Theatre, an in-house production with a star-studded cast, directed by Chris Lawson and design by Katie Scott.
Upon entering the theatre the experience had begun, with traditional Irish music playing into the foyer and bar areas, the lively melodies had me very nearly tapping my feet in anticipation for the start of the play. Here also a mention must be made of the wonderful ushers of the theatre, they are genuinely friendly, charismatic and helpful. They are a treasure that makes a visit to Oldham Coliseum extra special.
The action takes place in the small Irish town of Connemara, the infamous gravedigger Mick Dowd played by John O'Dowd is tasked with digging up the remains of his late wife Oona, suspicion still lingers that he murdered his late wife. Upon opening the grave the bones are discovered missing and it becomes a classic detective drama of 'who dunnit?'. A veritable tapestry of red herrings were laid down in the first act, my mind reeled coming up with possibilities of what could be the resolution, I was completely shocked and satisfied by the ending.
A cast of four represented a pocket of a close-knit community, their Irish accents were delightful to listen to, but at times voices were almost inaudible as they were too quiet or directed upstage without enough power to project across the audience.
O'Dowd, playing Mick the bereaved Gravedigger, had the audience questioning his guilt throughout the play, moments that could have been played to portray the character as a monster were played instead with a masterful subtly that kept his true nature mysterious, such as the scene where he reminds Lee's character, Maryjohnny to pick up her bingo pens. The pens are lying in close proximity to him, as she approaches he is in striking distance, but O'Dowd plays the moment with an imperceptible nonchalance or well-contained violent intent.
Each of the characters had humorous traits that made them endearing and equally a darkness that led to suspicions of their guilt in the desecration of OOna's grave, especially Jenny Lee's fallible Catholic granny Maryjohnny.
Liam Heslin playing the gravedigger's dopey assistant Mairtin shone in his role, his comedic ability was great and physical control during fight sequences was brilliant. It is the actor reacting to the blow who makes the violence look authentic and when Heslin took a hit it had audible reactions from the audience, very well acted. Also worth mentioning was Griffin Steven's comical and dramatic performance of Thomas Hanlon - The Guard, an official of the law with aspirations of being like TV detective Quincy. The motivations and thought processes of the character almost visible on his face, it was a meticulous performance.
Fight Choreographer Kaitlin Howard made excellent use of the talented cast, the brawls that broke out consumed the stage with chaos, shockingly authentic but it was evident the actors were in control and safe and it was easy to enjoy the well portrayed violence.
A wonderful set by Katie Scott, two interior walls of a living space, painted in muted colours gave the impression of a well lived in home, which when back lit became translucent giving way to the view of an expansive graveyard, complete with real mounds of dirt. When the soil began to fly around the stage, the smell of fresh dirt filled the theatre, making for a visceral experience. Lighting made the transition from interior to exterior even more believable with ever so subtle changes in colour to show they were now outside under moonlight rather than in the warm glow of electric house light.
The time flew by in the theatre, I was completely enthralled in this world. If the purpose of theatre is to stir a reaction within its audience then Martin McDonagh's 'A Skull In Connemara' directed by Chris Lawson is definite good craic down at Oldham Coliseum. I would highly recommend catching this before the end of its short run.
Reviewer – Kerry Ely
on – 26/2/19
photo - Joel Chester Fildes
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