The Equals – Acting Out Theatre (Ireland) at the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival – Review by Fran Winston.

At The Teachers’ Club – 36 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1

Runs until May 17th nightly at 7.30pm with matinée Saturday 16th at 3.45pm

Tickets €15/12

LGBT community drama group Acting Out present this opus set in a somewhat alternative Ireland where the county of Leitrim is run by a group of power lesbians who have won the right to host the biggest gay drama competition in the world.

Enlisting the services of am dram veteran Finbarr, who is trying to admonish all memories of his ex, they, along with a motley crew of the local gays, embark on a six week journey to create a play that will wow the judges. However, their director, Quentin, has a vision that is at odds with the groups and they are forced into clandestine rehearsals in order to adapt the show into something that may just be worthy of the top prize.

This is a little bit saucy and a little bit naughty. There are plenty of clichés and in jokes but they are not used in a cheesy way. The “let’s put on a show” format gives  them plenty of leeway to do whatever they like and at times this is part the Full Monty and part A Chorus Line with a little bit of a Carry On film mixed with Little Britain thrown in. These are not professional actors and that sometimes shows in the performances but everybody on stage is having such fun that it doesn’t really matter. Although there were a few moments I thought they might corpse, the fact that they so knowingly engage with the jokes is actually endearing and draws you further in.

Martina Walker and Breege Fahey bounce off each other well as Mary and Mary Two, the well connected heads of the town, Mark Power’s Quentin has more than a touch of the Nathan Lane’s about him (which isn’t a bad thing) and Brian Gaughran has shades of David Walliams about him as Father Gaye (as in Gay Byrne not as in Brendan Courtney) the confused priest who enjoys an awakening as the group rehearse the show. That’s not to say that everybody doesn’t do a great job and they display a bravery lacking in some professional actors at times. If the double entendre and innuendo wasn’t enough to give you a giggle the musical numbers will have you splitting your sides. All of the group throw themselves into these with gusto and the audience was clapping along despite not knowing the songs.

You really root for the group to win the contest and engage in their journey. It’s a good premise for a play and would easily make a highly amusing short film. Because they are supposed to be amateur actors in the play it covers any glitches that may arise and it is a thoroughly entertaining 75 minutes. The audience were belly laughing the night I was there and everyone left with a smile on their faces.

If you are looking for a fun theatrical experience then this is definitely the way to go.