Dancing at Lughnasa (Manchester)

Manchester’s most reliable theatre company consistently produces plays of a superb quality, pleasing both audiences and critics alike. Roger Haines’ excellent production of Brian Friel‘s poignant tale of sisterly love is yet another feather in the Library’s distinguished cap.

Set in 1930’s Ballybeg, County Donegal, Friel’s tale follows the lives of the Mundy sisters. Kate is the stubborn, old fashioned teacher who also assumes the role of head of the house. Maggie uses her good humour to get through every day. Rose and Agnes look out for each other and spend every waking hour knitting and carrying out house work. Chris is a single mother whose heart tells her that the father of the child will want to do right by her one day.

With Europe on the verge of terrible change, the family is sheltered from the violence; but drastic changes in loyalty begin to take place. As the cracks begin to show, each member of the household realises their poor but close-knit existence is about to be shattered. Secrets, lies and repressed feelings lurk in every corner of the house. Beneath the surface lies heartache and a sense of regret.

This wonderful play is leisurely but never dull. A character-led piece needs strong actors to persuade the audience they are worth caring about and the cast here are all wonderfully convincing. Deirdre Monaghan displays Kate’s fragility and fear of change. Mary McEvoy brings a sense of fun to her role as head-strong Maggie, who laughs even when times are bad. Sarah Corbett and Stella Madden work terrifically well together as Rose and Agnes, the sisters with a secret. Ciara O’Callaghan portrays Christina’s loneliness with ease. JD Kelleher also does very well as the illegitimate son who narrates the tale.

Judith Croft‘s set design is simply stunning as it takes the audience back in time to a basic household full of love, fear and pent up emotion. Likewise Roger Haines direction is beautifully done as it allows the performers to slowly engage the audience. Lughnasa is an alluring, moving, and haunting production which lingers in your memory.

Glenn Meads