PETER CRAWLEY

Abbey Theatre, Dublin

What the devil is someone supposed to do with this line: “Ah-ah-ah-ow-ow-ow-oo”? That yodel of vowels belongs to Eliza Doolittle, the Covent Garden flower girl who would be transformed through elocution and [...]]]> Taken From Irish Times

Pygmalion

Above: Charlie Murphy as the London flower girl-turned-duchess Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion

PETER CRAWLEY

Abbey Theatre, Dublin

What the devil is someone supposed to do with this line: “Ah-ah-ah-ow-ow-ow-oo”? That yodel of vowels belongs to Eliza Doolittle, the Covent Garden flower girl who would be transformed through elocution and style into a duchess. Expressing both awe and distress, Charlie Murphy’s knock-out, layered performance makes Eliza’s catchphrase sound like a cat choking on a trombone; a sound that is first amusing, then moving and somehow never grating. That is also the great achievement of Annabelle Comyn’s tremendous new production of Pygmalion for the Abbey.

We all know the story. The astonishingly supercilious phonetician, Henry Higgins (a sublimely spry and brusque Risteárd Cooper) bets his colleague Colonel Pickering (Nick Dunning) that he can transform a girl of humble status into royalty with scant regards for social and emotional consequences. It is a narrative as full of romantic fantasy as horror: Kate Middleton meets Frankenstein.

George Bernard Shaw could never quite reconcile his didactic satire on class barriers, moral equivocation and the stifling of female independence with something as pleasing as a hit show. But Comyn can. In outline, the production sounded like a similar wager: that with enough work on crystal-cut intonation and sumptuous costumes from Peter O’Brien, the national theatre could pass itself off as the Gate. Instead, it uses all the resources of the Abbey – considered casting, impeccable voice direction, technical capacity, money – to provide the luxurious pleasure of spectacle and a pitch-perfect ensemble to plumb Shaw’s ideas for all they’re worth.

In a play where everything is judged on appearance (a gentleman is recognised by his boots not his manners), Paul O’Mahony’s set plays delightful games with surface. The filing boxes of Higgins’ study climb to impossible reaches, a scientific obsession rendered toweringly absurd. There is a tendency to show off: an early set change, covered by the sly, clever chatter in Philip Stewart’s music, seems like an ad for the Abbey’s “exceptionally elaborate machinery”, as does Eliza’s bathing scene, which the excellent Fiona Bell conducts with the tenderness of waterboarding.

Such moments emphasise the cruelty of the “experiment” and for all the delicious mirth Lorcan Cranitch finds in Doolittle, a contented member of the “undeserving poor”, or the entertainment of Cooper’s irascible propulsion, Comyn wisely leads their sardonic logic and arias of abuse into flashes of violent intent.

Could Shaw be as blunt? “He uses the English language like a truncheon,” Max Beerbohm once said, and when the fifth act curdles into exhaustive disputation, you wonder again if some things are better left unsaid. The most tragic impression in this accomplished production is Eliza’s silence, the most comic her robotic high society debut, the most triumphant the regaining of her spirit. Balancing the surface charm and heady substance of Pygmalion is no easy challenge. But – as Shaw never put it – by George, I think they’ve got it.

Runs until June 11

www.abbeytheatre.ie

| Book now!

Dear Dublin,

This June, as part of the Abbey Theatre's on-going work to nurture new writing, we are delighted to present Perve a new play from Stacey Gregg about a young documentary film-maker named Gethin. If film-making [...]]]>

www.abbeytheatre.ie | Book now! Dear Dublin, This June, as part of the Abbey Theatre's on-going work to nurture new writing, we are delighted to present Perve a new play from Stacey Gregg about a young documentary film-maker named Gethin. If film-making is your thing, then be sure to visit Filmbase as they celebrate 25 years of supporting filmmakers in Ireland by hosting a range of events at the end of this month. At the end of June, we will be previewing Brian Friel's Translations on the Abbey stage. Having begun his relationship with the Abbey in 1962 with the world premiere of The Enemy Within, Brian Friel's work has delighted Abbey audiences for nearly 50 years. We look forward to welcoming you to the Abbey this June. Abbey Theatre Premiere Pygmalion By George Bernard Shaw Directed by Annabelle Comyn Must end Saturday 11 June on the Abbey stage Eliza Doolittle's transformation into a lady has been wooing audiences for a several weeks. This is what the critics have been saying: 'It's a joy from start to finish, its elegance and verve wrapped in lush and imaginative visuals …' - The Sunday Independent 'luxurious pleasure of spectacle and a pitch-perfect ensemble' - The Irish Times Click here for a behind the scenes video of Pygmalion. Book now! World Premiere & An Abbey Theatre Commission Perve By Stacey Gregg Directed by Róisín McBrinn From Wednesday 25 May on the Peacock stage Remember a time when you passionately believed in something only to be met by resistance from family or friends? Stacey Gregg's new play Perve captures that feeling completely, as audiences navigate through 23 year old documentary filmmaker Gethin's decision to start an unsettling rumour about himself. 'Real life is much weirder …' See images here and watch video. Book now! Translations By Brian Friel Directed by Conall Morrison From Thursday 23 June on the Abbey stage Set in 19th century Ireland, Brian Friel's Translations tells the story of a small Irish village struggling to adjust to the shifting world around them. A new world replaces the old as British rule imposes itself on local tradition. Don't miss Brian Friel's masterpiece on the Abbey stage. 'We must learn those new names…. We must learn where we live. We must learn to make them our own. We must make them our new home.' Book now! Mark O'Rowe's Terminus on Tour Now on until Saturday 9 July At Sydney Opera House Mark O'Rowe's exhilarating play Terminus is back on the road and now playing at Sydney Opera House in Australia. Featuring a stellar Irish cast including Declan Conlon, Olwen Fouéré and Catherine Walker, this production has received superb responses from critics and audiences alike. Make sure your friends in Australia know that they can't miss this. Show in a Bag: Fight Night Now on until Saturday 11 June At Bewley's Café Theatre Fight Night is a gripping journey charting the comeback of Dan Coyle Jr., a failed amateur boxer from a long line of accomplished fighters. This fast-paced and heartfelt solo performance by Aonghus Óg McAnally combines intense physicality with a classic Dublin wit. More info here. The Abbey Theatre 110th Anniversary Campaign With special thanks to our newest Corporate Guardians, Arthur Cox, and our newest Corporate Ambassadors, CRH. The Abbey Theatre is proud of its support from our Corporate Guardians: Aon, Behaviour & Attitudes, and our Corporate Ambassadors: Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon, ely bar & brasserie, FCm, Irish Poster Advertising Limited, The Merrion, NRC, Spector, Talbot 101, The Westin Dublin, Wynn's Hotel, Zero-G.   And also… Abbey Talk: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised To mark Stacey Gregg's play Perve on the Peacock stage, we are hosting a talk by journalist and digital media curator, Mark Little. Today's technologies bring news to our finger tips in an instant. Join us as he navigates us through the social news network of our time. Thursday 9 June, 6pm Book now All Abbey Talks FREE for Members Workshops Talking Text Voice Workshop with Andrea Ainsworth: A Saturday morning workshop on the Abbey stage. Offered as a package, you will read lines from Translations with Abbey Theatre Voice Director, Andrea Ainsworth in the morning, eat lunch and then catch the matinee performance of Translations. Saturday 2 July, 10am Tickets €45 (No experience necessary) More information To book for our workshops please call Box Office on (01) 87 87 222. Assisted performances Pygmalion Audio described and captioned performance: Saturday 4 June, 2pm Perve Sign language interpreted performance Thursday 16 June, 8pm More information on accessibility Abbey Theatre Costume Hire You can now hire costumes from the Abbey (but not for that fancy dress party on Saturday night!). We welcome enquiries from amateur drama groups, film companies, youth theatre groups etc. More information here. Booking Information Tickets for Abbey Theatre productions are €13 – €40 Book online now and select your own seat at www.abbeytheatre.ie or call our Box Office on (01) 87 87 222 Production start times: on the Abbey stage: Mon – Sat Evenings 7.30pm; Sat Matinees 2pm on the Peacock stage: Mon – Sat Evenings 8pm; Sat Matinees 2.30pm Have Your Say Email us and let us know what you have to say about our shows and your experiences at the Abbey. Join us on Facebook Follow on us on Twitter www.abbeytheatre.ie” border=”0″ style=”margin:0;padding:0″>

www.abbeytheatre.ie

| Book now!

Dear Dublin,

This June, as part of the Abbey Theatre's on-going work to nurture new writing, we are delighted to present Perve a new play from Stacey Gregg about a young documentary film-maker named Gethin. If [...]]]> delay: 3d16h

www.abbeytheatre.ie | Book now! Dear Dublin, This June, as part of the Abbey Theatre's on-going work to nurture new writing, we are delighted to present Perve a new play from Stacey Gregg about a young documentary film-maker named Gethin. If film-making is your thing, then be sure to visit Filmbase as they celebrate 25 years of supporting filmmakers in Ireland by hosting a range of events at the end of this month. At the end of June, we will be previewing Brian Friel's Translations on the Abbey stage. Having begun his relationship with the Abbey in 1962 with the world premiere of The Enemy Within, Brian Friel's work has delighted Abbey audiences for nearly 50 years. We look forward to welcoming you to the Abbey this June. Abbey Theatre Premiere Pygmalion By George Bernard Shaw Directed by Annabelle Comyn Must end Saturday 11 June on the Abbey stage Eliza Doolittle's transformation into a lady has been wooing audiences for a several weeks. This is what the critics have been saying: 'It's a joy from start to finish, its elegance and verve wrapped in lush and imaginative visuals …' - The Sunday Independent 'luxurious pleasure of spectacle and a pitch-perfect ensemble' - The Irish Times Click here for a behind the scenes video of Pygmalion. Book now! World Premiere & An Abbey Theatre Commission Perve By Stacey Gregg Directed by Róisín McBrinn From Wednesday 25 May on the Peacock stage Remember a time when you passionately believed in something only to be met by resistance from family or friends? Stacey Gregg's new play Perve captures that feeling completely, as audiences navigate through 23 year old documentary filmmaker Gethin's decision to start an unsettling rumour about himself. 'Real life is much weirder …' See images here and watch video. Book now! Translations By Brian Friel Directed by Conall Morrison From Thursday 23 June on the Abbey stage Set in 19th century Ireland, Brian Friel's Translations tells the story of a small Irish village struggling to adjust to the shifting world around them. A new world replaces the old as British rule imposes itself on local tradition. Don't miss Brian Friel's masterpiece on the Abbey stage. 'We must learn those new names…. We must learn where we live. We must learn to make them our own. We must make them our new home.' Book now! Mark O'Rowe's Terminus on Tour Now on until Saturday 9 July At Sydney Opera House Mark O'Rowe's exhilarating play Terminus is back on the road and now playing at Sydney Opera House in Australia. Featuring a stellar Irish cast including Declan Conlon, Olwen Fouéré and Catherine Walker, this production has received superb responses from critics and audiences alike. Make sure your friends in Australia know that they can't miss this. Show in a Bag: Fight Night Now on until Saturday 11 June At Bewley's Café Theatre Fight Night is a gripping journey charting the comeback of Dan Coyle Jr., a failed amateur boxer from a long line of accomplished fighters. This fast-paced and heartfelt solo performance by Aonghus Óg McAnally combines intense physicality with a classic Dublin wit. More info here. The Abbey Theatre 110th Anniversary Campaign With special thanks to our newest Corporate Guardians, Arthur Cox, and our newest Corporate Ambassadors, CRH. The Abbey Theatre is proud of its support from our Corporate Guardians: Aon, Behaviour & Attitudes, and our Corporate Ambassadors: Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon, ely bar & brasserie, FCm, Irish Poster Advertising Limited, The Merrion, NRC, Spector, Talbot 101, The Westin Dublin, Wynn's Hotel, Zero-G.   And also… Abbey Talk: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised To mark Stacey Gregg's play Perve on the Peacock stage, we are hosting a talk by journalist and digital media curator, Mark Little. Today's technologies bring news to our finger tips in an instant. Join us as he navigates us through the social news network of our time. Thursday 9 June, 6pm Book now All Abbey Talks FREE for Members Workshops Talking Text Voice Workshop with Andrea Ainsworth: A Saturday morning workshop on the Abbey stage. Offered as a package, you will read lines from Translations with Abbey Theatre Voice Director, Andrea Ainsworth in the morning, eat lunch and then catch the matinee performance of Translations. Saturday 2 July, 10am Tickets €45 (No experience necessary) More information To book for our workshops please call Box Office on (01) 87 87 222. Assisted performances Pygmalion Audio described and captioned performance: Saturday 4 June, 2pm Perve Sign language interpreted performance Thursday 16 June, 8pm More information on accessibility Abbey Theatre Costume Hire You can now hire costumes from the Abbey (but not for that fancy dress party on Saturday night!). We welcome enquiries from amateur drama groups, film companies, youth theatre groups etc. More information here. Booking Information Tickets for Abbey Theatre productions are €13 – €40 Book online now and select your own seat at www.abbeytheatre.ie or call our Box Office on (01) 87 87 222 Production start times: on the Abbey stage: Mon – Sat Evenings 7.30pm; Sat Matinees 2pm on the Peacock stage: Mon – Sat Evenings 8pm; Sat Matinees 2.30pm Have Your Say Email us and let us know what you have to say about our shows and your experiences at the Abbey. Join us on Facebook Follow on us on Twitter www.abbeytheatre.ie” border=”0″ style=”margin:0;padding:0″>

Pygmalion at the Abbey Theatre Reposted from Culch.ie (Click for Link)

Pygmalion is on the Abbey stage at the moment. Better known to some people as the story of “My Fair Lady”, it is the play upon which the 1964 Oscar-winning movie of the same name was based.

Written [...]]]>

PETER CRAWLEY

Bewleys Cafe Theatre, Dublin

Never underestimate the potential and pleasure of a well-worn formula. Take the boxing drama, in which a damaged hero has something to prove. Coming from a long line of Finglas boxers that may trace its origin to the invention of [...]]]> Taken from Irish Times

Fight Night

PETER CRAWLEY

Bewleys Cafe Theatre, Dublin

Never underestimate the potential and pleasure of a well-worn formula. Take the boxing drama, in which a damaged hero has something to prove. Coming from a long line of Finglas boxers that may trace its origin to the invention of the fist, Dan Coyle Jnr – son of Dan Coyle Snr, grandson of Dan Coyle The First – is long out of shape, heavy with grudges and finally spurred by his own fatherhood.

Against the tragic grandeur of comeback kids and has-beens, Dan Jnr is something more banal: a never-was. The brilliance of Gavin Kostick’s writing is to give the heroic form to an ordinary Dan, played by Aonghus Óg McAnally. If anything, the stakes get lower – first, he’s fighting for the middleweight champion of the world (“I am in me hole”) then simply to get fit. But the monologue, structured like the rounds of a boxing match, makes his private stakes higher: breathing hard through fitness struggles, tensely squaring up to his estranged father, steadily claiming an identity as a responsible family man.

Written specifically for McAnally – the son of performer Aonghus McAnally, grandson of the great actor Ray McAnally – any similarity to persons living or dead is intentional. That brings a bracing shiver to the line, “Me name has got me to this level, but not me”, yet the performance’s real impact is more universal and brutal. When it comes to the title bout of self definition, a son’s opponent is his father and here McAnally and Kostick deliver a knockout blow: “No man can fight his own da when both are in their prime and that’s the tragedy.”

The play’s psychology isn’t always deft: one dream sequence is so basted with symbolism that even Dan compliments his subconscious. But director Bryan Burroughs steadies the explication with the eloquence of physicality.

Fight Night’s final, wordless moments are its most extraordinary, McAnally’s release so stark, exhilarating and cathartic that Colm Maher’s lights dip too quickly, the music arriving too soon. We don’t need to see McAnally land a punch to know what he’s fighting for. We’re up there in the ring with him.

Runs until June 11th

The stellar cast is now confirmed and will include some of the best talent in Irish [...]]]> delay: 2d12h

Coming soon to THE NEW THEATRE 

Dear Eoin, 

MEMOIRS OF A

DUBLIN BUS DRIVER

By

Rua O' Donnachu 

June 2010 Issue No.62 Coming soon to THE NEW THEATRE  Dear Eoin,           Maylin Productions presents            MEMOIRS OF A DUBLIN BUS DRIVER      By Rua O' Donnachu    Jun 6th – Jun 11th @ 8 pm  Tickets: €15 / 12 (concs) /10 (groups)     Fresh from our double sell-out run of 'Men are from Stoneybatter, Women from Phibsboro', Maylin productions are back!   Full details: click here     BOX OFFICE | INFO@THENEWTHEATRE.COM | 01 – 6703361   WWW.THENEWTHEATRE.COM                     Free playreading at The New Theatre…         An Island's Lament by Mary Hoey   Sat 4th June @ 3pm   Entry free! (a donation of €2 would be welcome)     Full details: click here      Having trouble following the links?   Log on to www.thenewtheatre.com for all information on the upcoming shows at THE NEW THEATRE

  All-new website at ark.ie

We’re delighted to announce that our brand new website at www.ark.ie is now live. We’d love if you could take a look and tell us what you think at thoughts@ark.ie.

As well as dedicated events, schools, organisational, blog and children & culture sections, [...]]]>

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