Dancing at Lughnasa

John Woolley and Brian Harshorn`s very striking set of the 1930` s home of the Mundy family in County Donegal set the scene for a very impressive production by Regina Repton, who should be well satisfied with her directorial skills. All the cast deserve plaudits for the discipline that was maintained throughout.

Carl McGarrigle, as Michael Evans, narrator and son of Christina, guided us back through his unconventional childhood in a female dominated household, and gripped us throughout with a dominant performance. Angela Swift as the `Wild Woodbine Ciggy Maggie`, and Liz Woolley as Kate, the prim and proper teacher, full of anxiety for the future, were superb in their roles, as were Angela Barradell as Agnes and Julie Anne Robinson as Rose. Ross Lowe, with a good Welsh accent totally at ease as the unreliable yet smooth character of Gerry, was well matched by Emily Johnston, falling for Gerry`s whims as Christine, Michael`s mother . With Will Jessop as the returning brother from Africa, troubled by Malaria and memory loss, the whole of this talented cast deserve praise for the way that the Irish accents were carried throughout the play.

Allied to very enthusiastic dancing, a great triumph for the Watsons. Their best production for a long while, well received by an enthusiastic audience. Congratulations all round.

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