The Playboy of the Western World – Pavilion Theatre – Review
by Frank L

The Playboy of the Western World – written by John Millington Synge

Produced by Livin’ Dred Theatre Company – Tour Dates below

Photos by Dessie Connors

Aaron Monaghan directs this fine, new production of Synge’s once controversial but now much-loved classic of Irish theatre. On arrival in the theatre, there is time to contemplate the set with its gable end of a cottage replete with a small square window facing the audience. There is a settle bed on one side and the remains of a fire at the front of the stage. At one level it appears to be a traditional setting but all is not as it seems. There is a disturbing, asymmetrical angularity to the gable end wall and a strip of LED lighting that delineates the internal perimeter of the cottage and marks a doorway. It is an intriguing space.

The opening scene shows Pegeen Mike (Eilish McLaughlin) alone on stage. She is mostly thinking, but she does light an overhead paraffin lamp. The play is set in a place in which nothing much is happening. That dullness is underlined by the arrival of her intended husband, Shawn Keogh (Colin Campbell). He is dreariness personified, as he is conservative, priest-ridden, and a coward. It is clear at once that they are an ill-matched couple.

The arrival of her father Michael James Flaherty (John Olohan), who is preparing to go to a funeral with a few fellows, creates a new dynamic. When Pegeen Mike is alone again, Christy Mahon (Naoise Dunbar), a young man who has travelled some distance and is dishevelled, tentatively makes his appearance in the cottage. She gives him a guarded welcome and enquiring as to why he is on the road he tells how he killed his father with a lay while cutting turf. He is on the run from the police. She is intrigued. She has admiration for his deed as does her neighbour the amorous Widow Quin (Amelia Crowley). Word of his bravery spreads rapidly through the small community and the local girls’ Honor Blake (Clara Ivie), Sarah Tansey (Caitriona Williams), Susan Brady (Meadhbh Maxwell) together with Philly Cullen (Gerard Byrne) and Jimmy Farrell (Sean T. O’Meallaigh) all make an appearance in the cottage. Christy Mahon is an exotic mystery in this small community. He is both an outsider and a hero – a man of fearless action.

Aaron Monaghan after the contemplative opening sequence directs the action at a merry clip but he always ensures that the magic of the language of  Synge’s unique script shines through.  There are many moments of hilarity and also scenes of great physical engagement. McLaughlin and Dunbar as two emerging young actors both impressed as Pegeen Mike and Christy Mahon but they are ably assisted by the entire cast. This is a production of the first rank.

Naomi Faughnan was responsible for the set design but also for the costumes. They allow for the fact that the play is now being watched in a different social milieu than when it was first seen in 1907 at the Abbey. While the cast is mostly traditionally clad her Widow Quin, who wears a black shawl, takes on a flighty hue when coupled with her black culottes which subtly give her predatory nature full rein. Similarly one of the local girls wearing faded dungarees rather than a skirt gives a gentle acknowledgement towards the emergence of female independence in the intervening years. It all shows the careful thought that has gone into this production.

Aaron Monaghan and his Cavan-based Livin Dred Theatre Company have created a splendid revival of The Playboy of the Western World. It was a privilege to be in the audience for this production showcasing the skills of many emerging artists.

Performance Dates

29 – 31 JANUARY 2025 / RAMOR ARTS CENTRE / VIRGINIA
04 & 05 FEBRUARY 2025 / PAVILION THEATRE / DÚN LAOGHAIRE
07 & 08 FEBRUARY 2025 / DROICHEAD ARTS CENTRE / DROGHEDA
11 & 12 FEBRUARY 2025 / BACKSTAGE THEATRE / LONGFORD
14 & 15 FEBRUARY 2025 / THE MICK LALLY THEATRE / GALWAY