Shining City

Synopsis

John, a newly-bereaved businessman, is being haunted by the ghost of his wife. In a series of intriguing confessional sessions with newly-qualified therapist, Ian, he explores the hidden guilt behind this strange phenomenon. Ian, however, has problems of his own - his relationship with his girlfriend and the mother of his child is falling apart in the cold light of his new life outside the priesthood.

Our Review:

10 June 2004

Irish playwright Conor McPherson is best known in this country for The Weir, which premiered at the Royal Court before runs in the West End and Broadway as well as a bagful of awards, including two Oliviers. In that 1997 play, the visit of a Dubliner lady to an Irish country pub sparks off an exchange of ghostly tales.

Seven years later, McPherson returns to supernatural, and superlative, form with Shining City - which he’s also directed in this world premiere, co-produced by the Royal Court with Dublin’s Gate Theatre - although on this occasion, rather than a collection of competing spooks, there’s just one all-too-real spectre impacting proceedings. She is Mari, the recently, and painfully, deceased wife of John, who, as the play opens, arrives at the offices of newly installed counsellor Ian desperate to exorcise her from his house and life.

Apparitions aside, Shining City shares several other themes with...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.69.37.108) - 2 August 2004:

A lovely piece of theatre and beautifully performed....

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