Review: The Plough and the Stars at the Abbey Theatre

Mary Murray and Kate Stanley Brennan in The Plough and the Stars, written by Sean O’Casey and directed by Tom Creed. An Abbey Theatre production on the Abbey Stage. Image: Ros Kavanagh.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

On a cold and crisp Friday evening, I was very lucky to be invited to review the centenary performance of Sean O'Casey's The Plough and the Stars. I had extremely high hopes for this production, being an avid fan of O'Casey's writing, and thankfully I was not disappointed.

When the curtain rose for Act 1, it was clear Tom Creed's production was going to be non-traditional. Jamie Vartan's stark set design of large plywood walls creates a limited playing space for Creed which is amply used. The scene changes, aided by a well utilised revolve, created epic moments throughout. The lack of colour may be divisive to some, but it really ensured that we focused on the performers and story rather than distractions.

Michael Glenn Murphy, Kate Gilmore, Eimhin Fitzgerald Doherty and Thommas Kane Byrne in The Plough and the Stars, written by Sean O’Casey and directed by Tom Creed. An Abbey Theatre production on the Abbey Stage. Image: Ros Kavanagh.

Speaking of performances, the Abbey Theatre yet again should be commended on their casting. Kate Gilmore as Nora Clitheroe, shines in this production. She balances the strong yet vulnerable Nora well throughout, giving some heart wrenching moments (particularly when paired with her husband Jack, played strongly by Eimhin Fitzgerald Doherty). A part that could be overplayed, Gilmore threads the line carefully and sensitively, especially within the final act.

Kate Gilmore in The Plough and the Stars, written by Sean O’Casey and directed by Tom Creed. An Abbey Theatre production on the Abbey Stage. Image: Ros Kavanagh.

You can tell Kate Stanely Brennan as Mrs Gogan really revels in this role by divulging in every comedic moment and playing with every syllable of O'Casey's dialogue. Her nosey neighbour persona brings light to the scenes that she is in, nailing the comedic timing necessary. It is contrasted drastically towards the end of the play, providing layers to Stanely Brennan's performance.

Mary Murray has possibly one of the biggest challenges in this production of playing Bessie Burgess, which she handles with ease. Her performance is not only heartbreaking, but a powerhouse portrayal of one of Irish theatre's strongest female characters.

Other notable performances include Caitríona Ennis, who delights as Rosie Redmond, Thommas Kane Byrne as the Young Covey, playing a completely contrasting character to his performance in Dublin Gothic last month, Evie May O'Brien heartbreaking performance as Mollser and Dan Monaghan who provides a charming portrayal of Fluther. A special appearance of Marion O'Dwyer as a Woman won over the audience. O'Dwyer, who played Bessie Burgess in a previous production, shows there is no such thing as a small role.

Dan Monaghan, Michael Glenn Murphy and Thommas Kane Byrne in The Plough and the Stars, written by Sean O’Casey and directed by Tom Creed. An Abbey Theatre production on the Abbey Stage. Image: Ros Kavanagh.

And as the set revealed an empty stage, exposing the behind the scenes of the Abbey Theatre with fire exits, fire extinguishers, props and set pieces in the wings, two chairs slowly rotated in this vast space. It was at this moment, I realised that Creed was perhaps harkening back to the simplicity of productions that would have been staged here 100 years ago. Too much in theatre we are blinded by bold lighting choices, sequenced costumes and large clunky set designs. When stripped back, Creed cleverly allowed the audience to focus on the singular most important element of theatre, the story.

The Plough and the Stars runs at the Abbey Theatre until the 30th of April. You can purchase tickets here.

Disclaimer: I was invited to this show in exchange for an honest review. This review was not affected by my invite.