Holy Mary – 3Olympia Theatre – Review

Tuesday 11th July to Saturday 15th July 2023

Holy Mary by Eoin Colfer.
Directed by Aoife Spillane Hinks. Starring Jacinta Sheerin and Mary Murray.

Eoin Colfer’s extensive writing repertoire brings him from the novels of ‘Artemus Fowl’ to screen adaptations and now to the theatre. The prolific Wexford-born writer quickly grasps the Dublin idioms that pepper this comedy script, while generously reminding us of the era of ‘The School Around the Corner’ and ‘Give Up Yer Aul Sins’.

Set in 1986, the time of the first Divorce Referendum, this plays centres on two aspiring first communicants, Mary O’Leary (a delightful Mary Murray) and Majella Barnes (a tour de force from Jacinta Sheerin). Think June Roger’s ‘Jacinta O Brien’ and some of Brendan Grace’s ‘Bottler’ contemporaries and you are right there.

Murray as ‘O’Leary’ has almost a free run in Act One and she relishes the comedy, skilfully evoking empathy and generating a lot of belly laughs. Barnes (Sheerin) is very much a foil in the story until the plot twists in Act Two.

Act One is full of childlike one-liners that embrace the innocence of religious preparation and touches the loneliness of the poverty, too frequently known in single-parent families, in Dublin city at that time. Times were tough in the 1980s.

Colfer’s father was a respected teacher in Wexford from the 1960s and no doubt this first-hand experience is drawn upon as a resource to fill out the many entertaining scenarios. There is much joy and observation in the narrative.

Barnes is a different ‘kettle of fish’ and mirrors the feeling that the innocence of Act One is challenged by the loss of innocence in Act Two. In the second half, the humour is more the voice of the adult writer, as are the many reference points which are a fresh contrast to Act One.

In almost mono-channel TV land, an underresourced community, we don’t know how ‘Jacinta’ can be so articulate on a subject that didn’t exist in the primary curriculum at the time. She is very eloquent and at times understands the scientific principles way ahead of the religious ones, which is quite a challenge for any 7-year-old. That aside, the humour and pathos continue to pour off the stage, with an underscore of a keen-eyed social commentary that lends weight to the two hours on stage that fly by.

The direction by Spillane Hinks is neat, energetic and effective. The performances shine in equal measure between Murray and Sheerinas as does their switching in and out of the various cameos that support the fast-paced narrative – a special mention to ‘Fr. Ibar’ who plays a key role in sorting out the mayhem of these two 7-year-olds who have more in common than they think!

There was lots of laughter, great applause and a lovely feel-good atmosphere as an Irish writer and Irish artists came together to remind us about what we used to do very well – laugh at ourselves! It’s a breath of fresh air in that sense and a fully enjoyable rose-tinted memoir of more innocent, but not necessarily more pleasant times gone by.