Oliver Cromwell is Really Very Sorry – Project Arts Centre – Review
by Gearoid O’Byrne

Tour Dates below and here.

This is a musical about a man the English don’t remember and the Irish will never forget. Oliver Cromwell: Daddy of Democracy, Puritan and total Taurus. Ollie’s Army is back for a night of pure carnage, legendary pop anthems and bloody historical re-enactments. This is an outrageous new musical exploring English colonialism in Ireland framed by an archaeological dig in search of Cromwell’s missing head.

But listen, he’s very sorry. Really very sorry. Really. Really?

The story sees award-winning cabaret star and queer writer Xnthony channel England’s ‘Daddy of Democracy’ with an electrifying blend of pop bangers and musical theatre extravaganza.

Winner of best ensemble award at Dublin Fringe Festival 2022. Nominated for Best Production, Best soundscape and Best Costume at The Irish Times Theatre awards 2022.

Reminiscent in some ways of Mel Brooks “The Producers” which poked fun at Hitler,  “Oliver Cromwell is Really Very Sorry” is an uproarious and entertaining exploration of the life and times of the infamous English military and political leader, Oliver Cromwell. While this historical figure is often associated with the English Civil War and the dour Puritanical era, this musical takes a bold and unexpected approach by infusing humour and catchy tunes into a deadly serious period of our history.

The musical opens with a lively and comical portrayal of Cromwell’s early life, highlighting his experiences as an English shire farmer and wannabe actor, and his journey into the political landscape.

The humour in “Oliver Cromwell is Really Very Sorry” is clever and satirical, poking fun at the rigid and austere nature of the Puritanical era. Songs like “How well do you know your neighbours/800 years” and “Put Your Hands Up for Puritanism” are catchy and memorable, and they do a fantastic job of contrasting the seriousness of the time with the lightheartedness of the musical. The witty lyrics and energetic choreography keep the audience engaged throughout the performance and the costumes and set design are effective and impressive.

Oliver Cromwell’s campaign in Ireland, which took place between 1649 and 1653, was marked by extreme brutality. The main objectives of this campaign were to suppress the Irish Confederate forces (who were seeking to establish an independent Irish Catholic state), to assert English control over Ireland, and to enforce Protestantism.

During this period, Cromwell’s forces carried out a series of brutal military campaigns, leading to the deaths of a significant number of Irish civilians and soldiers. The most infamous event was the siege and subsequent massacre at Drogheda in 1649, where thousands of people, both combatants and non-combatants, were killed. The campaign also resulted in the dispossession of Catholic landowners and the redistribution of land to English settlers, particularly soldiers who had served in Cromwell’s army. This process, popularly remembered as “To Hell or to Connaught”, had a long-lasting impact on the land ownership structure in Ireland.

While “Oliver Cromwell is Really Very Sorry” successfully blends humour and history, there are moments when the juxtaposition of comedy and historical fact might feel jarring to some audience members. Some historical purists may also take issue with the liberties taken in the storytelling. However, for those who can appreciate a fresh and amusing take on an infamous historical figure, this musical offers a delightful and entertaining experience.

“Oliver Cromwell is Really Very Sorry” is a comedic musical that boldly explores the life of Oliver Cromwell in a way that is both historically informative and genuinely entertaining. It’s a must-see for those who enjoy a good laugh while also gaining insight into an unfortunate period of Irish history.

CAST: Xnthony / Alison Arnop / Sé Carr / Iestyn Arwel / Lórcan Strain

CREATIVE TEAM:
Director – Sam Curtis Lindsay
Writers – Anthony Keigher + Sam Curtis Lindsay
Composer – Sally Ó Dúnlaing
Choreography – Sarah Blanc
Set Design – Emma Bailey
Costume Design – Joey A Frenette
Lighting Design – Joshie Harriette
Music Production + Sound Design – KLONG
TOUR INFORMATION:

Axis Arts Centre, Ballymun, Dublin [Preview only]
Friday 20 October @ 8.00am / €16-€18
Axis Box Office – Tel: 01 883 2100 / https://axisballymun.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173648172

Project Arts Centre, Dublin
Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 October @ 7.30pm / €22-€25
Project Box Office – Tel: 01 881 9613 / https://projectartscentre.ie/event/oliver-cromwell-is-really-very-sorry-2/

Town Hall Theatre, Galway
Wednesday 1 November @ 8.00pm / €18-€20
THT Box Office – Tel: 091 569 777 / https://tht.ie/4090/oliver-cromwell-is-really-very-sorry

Roscommon Arts Centre
Saturday 4 November @ 8.00pm / €20
Roscommon Arts Centre Box Office – Tel: 0906 625 824 / https://roscommonartscentre.ie/event/oliver-cromwell-is-really-very-sorry/

Glór, Ennis, Co Clare
Thursday 9 November @ 8.00pm / €18-€20
Glór Box Office – Tel: 065 684 3103 / https://glor.ie/events/oliver-cromwell-is-really-very-sorry/

Backstage Theatre, Longford
Saturday 11 November @ 8.00pm / €18-€20
Backstage Box Office – Tel: 043  334 7888 / https://backstage.ie/events/oliver-cromwell-is-really-very-sorry/

Limetree Theatre, Limerick
Wednesday 15 November @ 8.00pm / €18-€20
Limetree Box Office – Tel: 061 953 400 / https://limetreetheatre.ie/events/oliver-cromwell-is-really-very-sorry/

Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda, Co Louth
Saturday 18 November @ 8.00pm / €18-€20
Droichead Box Office – Tel: 041 983 3946 / droichead.com

TOUR INFO at: https://www.xnthony.com/ocirvs-tour
Running Time: 90 mins approx.