Theatre Review: The Colleen Bawn – Lyric Theatre, Belfast

I must admit, that I had never heard of The Colleen Bawn before I saw the advertisements for Bruiser Theatre Company and The Lyric’s latest ensemble at The Lyric Theatre, but I’ve never ever seen a Bruiser play that didn’t bring me untold amounts of joy, and luckily for me, this co-production was no different.

Set in the 1800s, we see Dion Boucicault’s almost farcical true tale brought to life with music, frivolity and a few laughs along the way. Although the story itself is one of a terrible crime and the ultimate betrayal, the exuberance of the characters helps to keep things buoyant, as does Lisa May’s direction.

Through masterful storytelling and Boucicault’s inventive use of language, we follow the story of Hardress Cregan and his battle between family honour and his true love for the mesmerising ‘Colleen Bawn’. Although there are only six actors on stage, each one plays multiple parts, and a few quick scene changes calls for even more laughs and a few near misses which only served to make the whole show more enjoyable. 

Cavan Clarke as the inimitable Hardress was the perfect mix of show and sorrow, while Maeve Smyth’s Eily O’Connor was the ideal Colleen Bawn. However, it was Enda Kilroy’s portrayal as the Fagan-esque Mr Corrigan that stole the show for me!

It took me more than a few minutes to adjust to the thick Irish brogue of the Limerick accents on display, and when coupled with the sheer speed and fervency of Boucicault’s text, there was a definite learning curve to enjoying this play, however the parts were played magnificently by everyone on stage and thanks to the humour and good nature that permeated throughout, I soon found myself enthralled in the tale and wanting more.

Running from 7th – 28th April, you can find out more information or buy tickets for the Bruiser Theatre Company and The Lyric Theatre co-production of The Colleen Bawn at The Lyric Theatre Belfast by clicking here.