McDonagh’s Cripple of Inishmaan wows Kilkenny audiences

The Watergate Collective’s debut production, The Cripple of Inishmaan by Martin McDonagh was highly-anticipated among local theatre audiences who were not left wanting when the recently formed group brought the award-winning play to the stage.

Boasting a stellar cast, this remarkable play tells the story of a local community on the island of Inishmaan who hear word that an American director is coming to a neighbouring island to shoot a film and the chaos that ensues.

Seán Hackett is exceptional as Cripple Billy and nails the lead role delivering and revealing both comedic and tragic aspects of his character to the audience. There are also wonderfully memorable performances from other cast members with Michael Somers who made a welcome return to the stage of the Watergate Theatre after a 10-year hiatus, in the role of the gossiping teller of ‘news’, JohnnyPateenMike. Paula Drohan and Liane Murphy are fantastic performing the roles of the aunts while Megan Kelly is a bewitching and enchanting as she masterfully executes the character of Helen.

Kevin Tynan brings a good dash of humour in the role of Bartley while Katherine Dee (Mammy), Paul Behan (BabbyBobby) and

Derek Dooley are all strong and have an engaging stage presence. It was understandable why expectations were high for this production as it was directed by the brilliant Donal Gallagher who always excels when it comes to creating outstanding theatre.

The set design by John O’Donoghue in this production was simply superb with easeful scene changes and a magnificent screen backdrop which enhanced the changes in mood and tone throughout the production.