Ocean Child was a deeply poignant and moving performance that told a haunting tale of misfortune and loss following a shipwreck. This tragic true story was conveyed through a powerful blend of narration and music, immersing the audience in the emotional aftermath of a maritime disaster. It was a story not widely known, yet one that deserves to be remembered.
The RMS Tayleur left Liverpool on her maiden voyage in January 1854, bound for Melbourne, Australia. She was a precursor to the Titanic—a cautionary tale that unfolded decades earlier. The Tayleur was an incredible new clipper, built with the latest modern conveniences, including flushing toilets, and designed with advanced sailing technology. She was a clipper with tall masts, vast sails and with an Iron deck which interfered with the ship’s compasses, she carried an estimated 650 passengers and crew, all full of hope and anticipation for a new life in a far-flung land. On board were people from all walks of life, united by the dream of starting afresh in Australia, far from their families and familiar surroundings.
The tale of the Tayleur was narrated with eloquence and compassion by Oscar-nominated Irish actor Stephen Rea. His voice carried the weight of sorrow and empathy, drawing us into the story with quiet intensity. The melancholic music, composed by Neil Martin, who also played the cello, was performed by the West Ocean String Quartet. They were joined by a gifted harpist and a multi-instrumentalist who played the uilleann pipes, tin whistle, and flute.
The music ebbed and flowed throughout the performance—at times deep and troubled, at others tender and heart-breaking. It blended traditional Irish melodies and instrumentation into the unfolding narrative, enhancing the emotional depth of the story.
There were also interludes of beautiful singing from a young chorister, a Year 7 student whose name I unfortunately did not catch. Supported in the audience by his family, he sang offstage, which I felt was a missed opportunity. It would have been lovely to see him perform in person, as it was difficult to identify the source of the singing. His voice added a layer of innocence and purity to the production, reinforcing the theme of hope amidst tragedy.
At times, the music slightly overpowered Stephen Rea’s narration. However, this did not detract from the overall impact of the performance. The audience was utterly captivated—you could hear a pin drop. The atmosphere was reverent, as if we were collectively bearing witness to a sacred story. This performance was the centrepiece of the Irish Cultural Centre’s 30th Anniversary season, which made it even more special.
The Ocean Child survived the shipwreck and became a symbol of hope amid the terrible loss of life on Lambay Island, near Dublin in the Irish Sea. Of the estimated 650 on board, only 280 survived. The story did not end with the wreck—it continued with an equally moving conclusion that brought a lump to the throat, as the music reached into our hearts and stirred something profound.
This was Irish storytelling at its finest—raw, emotional, and unforgettable. But be prepared: this is not the joyful Irish music one might expect on a night out. Ocean Child is an emotional rollercoaster, a tribute to resilience, and a reminder of the fragility of life.
Reviewer - Penny Curran
On -8th November
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