A play set in and about the infamous Northern Ireland internment camp in the 1970’s, with pop songs sung a capella. Mmm…....Well, it’s good to report that it works. There’s no set as such, just an ensemble of six terrific actors , five of whom play multiple roles. It moves from angry to sad to funny to poignant on the turn of an actor from one role to another. The pace is fast, the precision is astonishing and the ‘gallows humour’ is delicious. At the time it was on my TV and in my newspaper almost daily, yet when I read the programme before it started I realised how much I’d forgotten. Though it doesn’t take sides, there is a risk (particularly for those who weren’t even alive then) that it will bury the evil many of these people were responsible for and even glamourise them as ‘lovable rogues’; this made me feel a little uneasy and would be my only reservation for what is otherwise an original idea executed with real panache. The WOS Q&A with the cast afterwards explained why it was so slick – these people have extraordinary chemistry with each other and seemed like lifelong friends rather than acting colleagues. - Gareth James
01 Apr 10
The kilburncat, the kilburncat, my how that pussay doth purr..!!! Tis as well Lads that the beauty of theatre is in the eye of the beholder...Irrespective of allegiances, nationality or faith...this is a wonderful piece of theatre, very finely worked and one which provides a real roller coaster ride through a very serious and disturbing period of recent history. It is beautifully acted, providing a comedic lightness without detracting from the poignancy of the disturbing events which occurred in the heart of what was then considered a very modern western world..As a minion with the world of Culture, one who seeks only to be entertained by my Theatre experiences, I certainly was that, and indeed more...my thanks for that and keep it up, I shall be recommending you to all and sundry...!!!
- Frank
18 Mar 10
I was there - and I am still there, reliving the powerful experience
'Alright now' has been redefined for me - I was in floods of tears. A magnificent play, so cleverly and almost classically constructed, with its chorus (the warden) and unity of place, the humour woven through the intensity. Unforgettable. - Maggie
17 Mar 10
History of the eponymous prison enacted by various unattractive characters and described by a mildly irritating narrator. The cast are well drilled and depict the characters they have been ascribed well, apart from some guying, but the staging and realisation are monochrome and the tone uniformly bleak. While offering an insight into the lives of the participants, the play does not raise any questions or put forward interesting ideas. Relentless. - kilburncat
