Father Ted

Father Ted is based on a British Sitcom written by Irish writers and starring a predominantly Irish cast. It is set on the fictional Craggy Island, a remote location on the west coast of Ireland. Father Ted Crilly alongside fellow priests Father Dougal McGuire and Father Jack Hackett have been exiled together on the island and reside together in the parochial house with Mrs Doyle the housekeeper. The play follows the misadventures of these larger than life characters as they go about their church business and chaotic personal lives.

Once again Stone Revellers had transformed St Michael's hall into a cabaret style theatre with audience sat around tables ready not only to be entertained but also for the fish and chip supper that was to be served during the interval. I would like quickly to congratulate David and Lucy Wild on the programme created for this play it was in keeping, funny and well put together. I like to see something a bit different than your normal biogs and headshots.

The set effectively created the rather dingy living room of the shared parochial house. On opening night the scene changes to the bedroom, outside the cinema and the song contest stage were quite clumsy but the idea behind them was good and worked once in place. The film reels were a great addition and were worth the time spent filming them.

The characterisation was maintained throughout by all the actors although the Irish accent was not always consistent.  Father Ted Crilly is  a very physical and demanding role and Tom Waldron maintained the pace throughout and his stage relationship with Dougal worked well with some great comic moments. Father Jack, played by John Wright,  was suitably unpleasant and rude and although he had few lines to speak you certainly knew he was on stage. Alec Voss, as Father Dougal Macguire, created a very different character to his housemates,  quietly funny with fantastic facial expressions. Who wouldn't want a cup of tea from the slightly disturbing Mrs Doyle played by Tracey Brough-Chesters, well you didn't actually have a choice! Very 'Julie Walters' in style and had the ability to continue the comedy through gestures and looks. Bishop Brennan suited the gruff and forceful delivery created by Mike Duckworth and was a great contrast to his slightly camp side kick Simon Hills.

I was unsure as to the need for two intervals and although the 'Flights for 50p' was a great cabaret moment I didn't understand its purpose. The river dance section at the end may well have worked well if it had been slick and well rehearsed, unfortunately it appeared a little hap hazard. Comedy is often seen as an easy thing to portray, you just need to be a bit silly don't you? That, however, is not the case and the professionals make it look easy. Well done Stone Revellers on a great attempt at such a classic and hard to recreate comedy.

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