Lovers (Winners and Losers)

“Lovers” is a presentation of two separate scenarios, written by Brian Friel, showing the relationships between two entirely different couples, both set in Ireland. Each had a small cast and gave provoking performances, much food for thought about romance. It has apparently been long studied in schools (very different material from that given when I was at school).

Winners opened to an empty stage, the top of a hill near the town, then two Narrators (Laura McDonald and Liz Bryce) stepped up and set the scene for Mag (Lily McColm) a precocious fifth/sixth form schoolgirl appeared, who hid herself from Joe (Jordan Fleming), her boyfriend. Much chatter about studying and life in general, typically bouncing from one subject to another randomly, but the impression given that the girl is pregnant, at time of the play’s writing much frowned upon. The plan is hatched to take a boat trip and the Narrators tell that both drowned — accident or suicide.....?

Losers opens with middle-aged Andy (a lugubrious George Marcinkiewicz) sitting in the garden of his girlfriend’s house bemoaning the lack of progress in his relationship with said girlfriend Hanna (Frances McNeil), whose bed-bound mother Mrs.Wilson (Patricia Welsh) thwarted most attempts at passion by ringing a bell at crucial moments. Each evening there were “prayers” with next door neighbour, prissy Cissie (Karyn Robertson) to Saint Philomena, which further exasporated Andy, but Hanna was a believer. They marry, much to mother’s disgust, but when Andy arrives home one night very drunk, he puts both feet in it, and ridicules the Saint. The relationship founders, but being Ireland there’s no divorce, and the title of this section becomes obvious. Loser Andy ends the play back in the garden bemoaning his fate.

This small venue was ideal for this presentation, and the excellent performances provoked much thought for audience members.

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