Covering May-August 2023
More throwback thoughts about productions I saw in 2023…
May 2023
Dancing at Lughnasa / Olivier Theatre
Just the one production in May, but what a treat it was. Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa at the Olivier Theatre, directed by Josie Rourke. This memory play presented the narrator, Michael, looking back on growing up with his mother and aunts in rural 1930s County Donegal, and reflecting from his adult point of view on their frustrations, constraints and disappointments. Far from being a mournful watch, the strength, resilience and humour of the sisters was superbly portrayed by the ensemble cast, with Siobhán McSweeney aka Sister Michael from Derry Girls making a particularly strong impression. And for bonus clerical connection points, Ardal O’Hanlon aka Father Dougal from Father Ted was in it too. Amen.
Throwback Theatre 