Spandex Blues – Smock Alley – Review by Frank L.

This is an almost one woman show, written and performed by Diane Crotty. There is a perfunctory male role played by Luke Casserly who makes an opening announcement that includes the usual house rules, such as mobile phones and fire exits. He also informs the audience that they are now hostages! Thinking about this disconcerting piece of information the super hero makes her entrance negotiating with quite loud treads the descending walkway which clings to the four walls of the Boy’s School Theatre. On her arrival on stage the male character leaves the stage and sits amongst the audience.

The stage is almost bare apart from a flip chart on which videos of Dublin traffic and other images play. Beside it a small, low square table with various props including a gun like object. Another similar table is on the opposite side upon which some artefacts including a dismembered hand lie. Above the second table are three small, palm sized dolls hanging on the right hand wall. Each represents one of the super hero’s siblings.

The story line is all about how these siblings interact. They do not operate within the law. They also appear to be well known to the Garda Síochána.  Given that the cast of characters of this tale includes the parents as well as the siblings of the super hero along with a female Guard, it is easy enough to lose the thread of what is being told. What is clear is that the super hero does not get along too well with some members of her family.

There are moments of humour in the piece which lasts just about an hour. However given the challenges placed on a story teller relating events about a number of people, who themselves have interconnecting relationships, it is challenging to discern the connections in the stories about which the super hero is telling “the hostages”.

Written by Diane Crotty
Directed by David Doyle

Follow Whiskey Tango Foxtrot on Facebook