Super-Bogger- Townhall, Cavan – Review
by Frank L.

Written by Clare Monnelly
Townhall, Cavan [World Premiere] – Wednesday 22 + Thursday 23 November @ 8.00pm

In her foreword, writer Clare Monnelly states “There is a superhero in all of us. Barry has always known this – his Mam told him. But lately, he hasn’t been feeling so super…”.

Barry allows you to enter into his life. He is married with kids and lives in a small village. His wife is the breadwinner and he is the stay-at-home Dad who looks after the kids. It was not always like this but as he and his wife might say “it is what it is”. The challenge of the kids, the success of his wife, and his stay-at-home role have all combined to undermine his self-respect and confidence. However, a chance encounter with a fox alters his perspective.

The set is simple being a grey raised rectangle on which a grey bench rests. Monaghan is alone on stage throughout. He is joined by fifteen other characters through voiceovers, which include his wife, Declan his nemesis and a panoply of other personalities who make up the community in which he lives. In that community, the GAA plays a prominent role and he was once a star of the sport.  Given what he considers his diminished status, he is now searching for his role – to be a superhero or given his location a super-bogger.

Barry has to interact with the fifteen other characters who appear by voiceover. Monaghan is therefore acting alongside a collection of characters, who the audience never sees, but can imagine. It is a vast technical challenge for any actor. Monaghan meets that challenge with his perfect timing. He never falters. He manages to make these characters become three-dimensional on stage. Another attribute of Monaghan is that he is extremely fit and agile. He is able to move his body into a multiplicity of shapes and also take on routines which are physically demanding. He is capable with a simple arm gesture to appear gentle and caring as he ushers a child into safe hands. In short, Monaghan displays a variety of talents and skills which transports your imagination to many places.

The lighting design (by Suzie Cummins) is impressive, particularly towards the end when a combination of techniques conveys the audience to a place distant from a small rural village. Throughout Stuart Robinson’s sound design more than met the challenge of the various voiceovers. Helen Foy’s costume design worked as it enabled Barry to metamorphose from a mundane Dad in everyday garb to that of a super-bogger without him ever having to leave the stage. It was seamless.

Super-bogger brings you into many places. While Monaghan transfixes you with his various talents, the text allows your imagination to travel freely. Super-bogger will have a comparatively short run in theatres in Roscommon, Longford, Drogheda and Galway. These locations are privileged. Hopefully, It will have a further iteration in many more locations throughout Ireland. It is the celebration of stagecraft and the very essence of theatre.

CAST: Aaron Monaghan

CREATIVE TEAM:
Director – Emily Foran
Writer – Clare Monnelly
Sound – Stuart Robinson
Set Design – Ronan Ward
Costume – Helen Foy
Lighting – Suzie Cummins

TOUR INFORMATION:

Townhall, Cavan [World Premiere]
Wednesday 22 + Thursday 23 November @ 8.00pm / €16-€18
Townhall Office – Tel: 049 4380494 / https://townhallcavan.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173646272

Roscommon Arts Centre
Saturday 25 November @ 8.00pm / €16-€18
Roscommon Arts Centre Box Office – Tel: 0906 625 824 / https://roscommonartscentre.ie/event/superbogger/

Backstage Theatre, Longford
Sunday 26 November @ 8.00pm / €16-€18
Backstage Box Office – Tel: 043 334 7888 / https://backstage.ie/events/super-bogger/

Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda, Co Louth
Wednesday 29 + Thursday 30 November @ 8.00pm / €16-€18
Droichead Box Office – Tel: 041 983 3946 / https://www.droichead.com/show-detail/?id=873651048

Mick Lally Theatre, Galway
Saturday 3 + Sunday 4 December @ 8.00pm / €16-€18
Mick Lally Box Office – Tel: 091 568 660 / https://www.druid.ie/the-mick-lally-theatre/whats-on

FULL TOUR INFO at: https://livindred.ie – Running Time: 60 mins approx.