Montague – The New Theatre – Review

Dates: 18/11/2025 – 21/11/2025 

At the start of the play, we meet Eleanor (Cara Christie) as she sits alone in a hotel room. She is a smart and sophisticated woman on the verge of middle age. She seems anxious, occasionally pacing the floor, before resuming her seat. She hears a knock on the door and is joined by Simon (Sean Landau), a man 20 years younger than her. There is a nervous energy in the room as it slowly becomes apparent what the meeting is for.

This is a new work by writer Megan O’Malley, which explores sexual dynamics, power and modern morals. Megan is a recent graduate of the Lir. Her first play, Home, ran at the New Theatre in 2018.

These two characters in the play are from different walks of life. You can feel the atmosphere in the room as the production starts, as Simon is a ball of nervous energy, with laughter and uneasy small talk. Neither of them is comfortable with the situation, and there are many false starts and awkward moments.

We hear of their lives and what drove them to this point. Despite having every advantage possible, Eleanor feels alone in the world. Her husband is her best friend, but nothing more, and she has difficult relationships with those around her. Simon is a young man trying to make something of himself, despite having grown up in challenging circumstances.

The play presents a tiny but robust world, and there is more than enough intrigue to carry the audience along. The cast does well with their respective parts, with Cara Christieas as Eleanor, a flawed but complex individual. Initially, Sean Landau’s Simon seems less interesting, but there is more added to his story as the work develops. The run time is a little over 45 minutes, and the play could be easily expanded into something longer. You’d love to know more about these individuals and their complicated lives.

Written by Megan O’Malley
Directed by Katie O’Halloran
Produced by Muirenn Lyons
Starring Cara Christie and Sean Landau

Set Design by Mar Parés Baraldés
Sound Design by Daniel Montague O’Brien
Lighting Design by Kevin Murphy
Stage Management by Eva Walsh