Big Maggie

Big Maggie
By John P. Keake. Irish Theatre Players. Directed by Brian Dennison and Mary Murphy. The Irish Club, Subiaco, WA. May 20-30, 2015

Visiting the Irish Theatre Players (ITP) feels a bit like visiting an (albeit very competent) amateur theatre company in rural Ireland. ITP embrace the community aspect of community theatre. They are wonderfully friendly and beautifully atmospheric.

ITP has made Big Maggie a complete experience, creating an Irish village in the foyer and bar area, with signs in Gaelige and English and serving Irish snack food at the bar which becomes Maggie's "Siopa" (Shop) a tie-in to the play.

The not very big Denice Byrne creates the role of 'Big Maggie' Poplin very well, conveying her cynicism and hardness very well but hinting at a lifetime of hurt and vulnerability. There were some minor line flubs and nerves on opening night, but I feel that she will settle into this huge role well.

The four children of Maggie form a believable family. Ria Ryan, making her Australian debut, was excellent as headstrong Katie, and Michelle Delaney was sympathetic as wronged younger daughter Gert. Fergal Benson made a strong community theatre debut as lovelorn Maurice and Mark Tilly was lovely in his brief appearances as the stuttering Mick.

Sean Haining was strong and convincing as stone mason Mr. Byrne, in his return to the stage after illness. The 'old men' played by Stan O'Neill and Joe Purcell provided a pleasant diversion.

In a show full of new faces, three further community theatre debuts showed much promise, with impressive first appearances from Joseph Duggan, Carmel Murphy and Roisín Nash - all of whom are welcome additions to Perth theatre.

Joe Grace and Paddy Ryan created a well-finished and versatile set with ring-of-truth detail, while John Spurling's lighting and sound is practical and unobtrusive.

Congratulations to directorial team Mary Murphy and Brian Dennison for creating a feel-good experience from a show that is rather downbeat in tone. The specialists in Irish plays in Australia, have a quality show that includes lots of new performers and is enjoying full houses.

Kimberley Shaw

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