The Kerryman – Glass Mask Theatre – Review
by Frank L.

The Kerryman – by Eva O’Connor
Dates: 26th May – 13th June

Cait (Lauren Larkin) has spent her twenties in Berlin and participated in all the hedonistic aspects of that great metropolis. She is now back in Dublin working as a barista and living with her mother in a suburb! However, she still hopes to pursue her creative aspirations through her solo send-up act in Irish dancing. On the other hand, Eoin (Sean Fox) has his career very much on track. He works as an insurance actuary in the financial services sector. He is an only son and intends to make his fortune quickly and return to South Kerry, where the pleasures of the family farm will keep him quietly occupied. He has a long-standing, local girlfriend, Shona, who will do him grand. That is, until he eyes Cait. Her performance had opened new horizons for him. A dude in insurance who emanates from Kerry would not tick many of Cait’s boxes for a suitable man. In many ways, they are chalk and cheese, and her life experience is way more colourful than his. They are not a match made in heaven, but they are drawn to each other.

O’Connor has written a fine script. From the first monologue spoken by Cait, you want to know more. She is not shy in the telling, and that includes her gynaecological problems. Eoin is a young man from Kerry, and Kerry colours all his references. He is a supporter of the Healy-Raes, and he is at one level just as knowing as they are. However, Cait is something else. She is from a different planet. He has never come across anything like her before. Shona has competition on her hands.

The set is just a white space with two white cubes, which the actors move around the stage as necessary to create various locations, ably assisted by some fine changes in lighting. Larkin and Fox draw you into the kernel of their on/off relationship. Their timing is excellent, and there is a captivating spontaneity about their exchanges. Each conveys the steep learning curve their character is undergoing as they come to terms with the personality of the other. Larkin and Fox really gel, and the strengths and weaknesses of Cait and Eoin make them characters with whom you can engage. Throughout, there are moments of high hilarity as Cait and Eoin reveal themselves to you. It is great fun.

The play lasts 70 minutes, and it captivates from the start. The intimate Glass Mask Theatre has a success on its hands.