The Cripple of Inishmaan
Review
London born McDonagh, though from Irish extraction, spent his childhood holidays in the Emerald Isle and much of his work embraces the great Irish tradition of rich storytelling. His skill in weaving sentimentality and savagery into Gaelic charm, is masterful. This play premiered in London in 1996 under the direction of Nicholas Hynter and next year sees a revival with Daniel Radcliffe playing the crippled boy.
Set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland in 1934, home to a sparse collection of dysfunctional excitement-starved islanders. News filters through that an American film crew are visiting the neighbouring island of Inishmoor. Restless crippled Billy, the pride and woe of the women who have raised him, is determined to audition and have the chance to go to Hollywood. Having lived his limited life staring at cows, being cruelly taunted by the locals and dreaming of the feisty Helen, he is not going to let this potential opportunity slip by, but this bitter sweet comedy culminates on a desperately sad note.
A competent cast take on the roles of the various misfits and Sally Evans clearly relishes her role as the alcoholic mother Mammy! A cast change sees Sheila Elsdon playing the sweet toothed Eileen, one of Billy's protective guardians. Lara Hardwick is a breath of fresh air as the spontaneous egg throwing Helen, and is well supported by Philip Donald as her long suffering brother Bartley. All three maintaining impressive Irish accents throughout. Crippled Billy is admirably played by Matthew Cooper impressing with his constant wheezing and lame gait.
A predominantly young audience warmed to the basic spontaneity and jokes that illuminated the characters in the meagre rumour starved community. Director James George’s well designed set coupled with several pieces of melodic Irish music, ensure this interpretation is a winner.
Jill Lawrie
