Head Case – Bewley’s Cafe Theatre – Review
by Frank L

HEAD CASE – The Love Song of an A & E Patient
August 19th – September 7th, 2024. @ 1pm​

Head Case written and performed by Garret Keogh

The action takes place in a non-descript environment of an A&E Department waiting room. The stage’s back wall is covered by off-white muslin curtains, with a bench covered in a dull grey fabric. Our main protagonist is played by Garret Keogh. He is there as a patient as the result of a domestic with his wife.  He has a lump the size of a quail’s egg on his head! These injuries are only the vehicle he uses to describe the other patients in the A&E Department and the individual members of the hospital staff whom he encounters. Of course, “waiting” is the major activity or non-activity that all are performing other than the overworked staff. Keogh’s text brings considerable humour to the tediousness of the inevitable “waiting”.

Keogh, often in rhyme, intones the comings and goings of patients and staff. He is greatly assisted by the musical accompaniment of Helene Montague on piano who, with Trevor Knight, has created an innovative composition which brings substantial depth to what Keogh is describing. The effect is intensified by the various sound effects which she creates using unseen props.

The play lasts under an hour which is very different to the length of time a patient may endure in an A&E Department. Perhaps some pruning of the various incidents that occur might make the whole a little tighter but that is a quibble. However, the audience loved it as I suspect most have endured the experience of our Emergency Care system.

The experience of waiting in an A&E Department is by definition not one of life’s great pleasures. So it is a considerable challenge to transform it into an engaging theatrical performance. Undoubtedly it was an inspired decision to include the musical accompaniment which gives depth and colour to Keogh’s observations of the happenings or non-happenings of the Department.  The collaboration between Keogh and Montague is performed by the two of them with considerable professional expertise. It is a joyous collaboration.

CAST AND CREW:

WRITTEN & PERFORMED BY: Garrett Keogh
COMPOSED BY: Hélène Montague & Trevor Knight
SET & COSTUME DESIGN: Marie Tierney
LIGHTING DESIGN: Conleth White
IMAGE DESIGN: Gavin Doyle