Kicking off the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival, The Night Alive brings Conor McPherson’s latest play to Belfast in what is described by the Lyric Theatre’s Jimmy Fay as “a sort of homecoming”.
Set in a dilapidated flat in Dublin, the stage dressing is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before; piled high with bin bags, bric-a-brac and clutter, it genuinely looks like something off hoarders and no detail is spared. Two camp beds sit at either side of the stage, with a set of stairs off to the left and a row of windows at the back – a small bathroom serves as the only other room in the house. As the days pass, the light changes in the windows, providing a realistic looking passage of time, and aside from that, everything stays the same.
We soon meet Tommy (played by Adrian Dunbar), a down and out Irishman just trying to make a living as he takes in the injured Aimee (played by Kate Stanley Brennan) after a fight with her boyfriend. There’s a delightful rapport between the two, their thick Irish brogue’s and colloquialisms really draw the audience in. As Tommy tries to ‘jimmy’ the electric meter, cleans up by throwing everything under the beds and admits that he doesn’t have a fridge, a portrait is quickly painted of the squalor that he lives in, and as we are introduced to his lovable sidekick Doc, I think it’s safe to say that everyone knows people like these two likely lads.
Doc (played by Laurence Kinlan) provides a lot of comic relief throughout the play, from stealing turnips to explaining that his name is short for Brian, Doc admits to being 7-8 seconds behind everyone else and Kinlan has this character down pat. It is a testament to Kinlan’s acting that an audible gasp can be heard from the audience, a few scenes later when Aimee’s deanged boyfriend attacks Doc with a hammer (the special effects are remarkable here as Doc’s neck wound appears straight away and looks vividly realistic).
Played by Ian-Lloyd Anderson, Aimee’s boyfriend Kenneth is a real menacing sort of character. With the slow, deliberate movements of a lion about to pounce, he evokes a sense of real fear and panic as he paces around the stage. This sudden outburst of violence marks a turning point in the play, but telling you more would only spoil the show.
Over the course of an evening, something magical happens, there are moments when you really do feel a part of this world, especially during a rather poignant scene where Marvin Gaye’s What’s Goin’ On plays which draws a spontaneous round of applause from the audience. Music plays a big part in the play and you can listen to the soundtrack and learn more about the song choices here.
Running until 31st October, I would urge you to go to the Lyric Theatre and see The Night Alive while you can. An evocative piece of theatre, filled with humour, laughter and realistic human character, this is definitely one for everyone. To find out more or to book tickets click here.
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