The Walworth Farce - Lowry Theatre, Salford

The Walworth Farce
Writer: Enda Walsh
Director: Mikel Murfi
Reviewer: John Roberts

Druid theatre company have fast become a name associated with theatre of the highest calibre, and a real gem in Irish Theatre history and this production is another smash to add to their ever growing list. The Walworth Farce written by Enda Walsh, who also wrote The New Electric Ballroom for Druid, puts his razor sharp ballpoint pen back on paper for what is one of the funniest yet horrifically terrifying productions to reach the northern theatre scene in many years.

Set in Walworth Road, London in a 1 bedroomed run down flat which was impressivly designed by Sabine Dargent, Father (Dinny) and brothers Blake & Sean, do what they do every day. Try under force to take on their father, the reigning and unbeaten champion of the Acting award, which has pride and place on the shelf in the living room. but before that can happen the stage must be set and when Sean brings back the wrong items from his daily Tesco shopping trip at 10am things go from bad to worse.

Director Mikel Murfi ensures that the production moves with lightning pace, but also with a real sense of clarity that ensures that as long as you are concentrating as an audience member you are with the action every step of the way.

The strong cast of four deliver on all levels, and is perhaps one of the strongest ensembles I have seen in a very long time. Michael Glenn Murphey as Dinny is breathtaking as the domineering father which at times is highly manic and unstable. Raymond Scannell as the agoraphobic son is fantastic as he scoots around the living room, throwing on various dresses and wigs as he performs again helpless to the habitual void his life has fallen into.

Tadhg Murphy as the youngest son Sean is sensational, you can’t help but sympathise with his character as he learns about his past, and the lies he has been told to keep him isolated from society. Mercy Ojelade although only really present for a small portion of the play, helps the mix and provides the much needed feminine touch to the overbearing masculine household.

Overall this is theatre at its most exciting, providing you with plenty of laughs and yet will make you leave the theatre with an almost heavy heart at the plays excruciatingly painful to watch second act.

Runs until Sat 19th Sept