It’s claimed laughter is the best medicine! Well if it is true, anybody who is unwell – along with perfectly healthy people – should head to that amazing little theatre, The Viking in Clontarf (just over Connolly’s pub) to see ‘Meet the Quare Fella’!
Based on the life of Brendan Behan, the Sheridan brothers (Jim and Peter) have imagined a scenario where Behan, collapsed on a Dublin street, has only a short time to persuade God and us, the audience, that he deserves to get into heaven.
Directed by Peter Sheridan, the plot moves at breakneck speed and we are carried along for the ride, meeting some of the characters who impinge on his life. Gary Cooke (Apres Match) shows his immense talent as the older Behan, with exactly the right mix of comedy and pathos. The younger Brendan, impressively portrayed by Ryan Andrews (Fair City), is full of bravado and recklessness, but along with Andrew Murray (Tuesdays with Morrie) they all play a myriad of different people.
All three move seamlessly from one role to the next with the aid of a single prop or different accent or posture. It is a credit to actors and director that they gave the illusion of a vast number of characters actually peopling the stage. Energy is paramount to this production and some of it rubbed off on the audience, who spontaneously gave a noisy standing ovation at the end.
I missed it on its first run and was determined to get to see it this time. Do yourself a favour, book straightaway, you won’t be disappointed. It only runs until November 19th and for 15 euro, it has to be the best value and the best laughs in Dublin theatre at the moment without a doubt.
Booking: 087 1129970
www.vikingtheatredublin.com
