Dear Frankie

This production is the Australian premiere of Dear Frankie, an Irish bio-play based on the life of Frankie Byrne, a real-life public relations consultant and radio personality who presented the agony aunt programme “The Women’s Page” on Radio Eireann for over twenty years.

There is some personal passion in this work. The director, Frank Murphy, not only grew up listening to the radio programme, but worked beside and knew the real Frankie, joining her for drinks after work some days. He has more reason than most to want to tell the story of this woman who grew up unwanted, forged a successful career in a time when it was rare for a woman to do so, made difficult choices, and cared very, very deeply about people. Frankie eventually died with dementia, and proceeds from programme sales are being donated to an associated charity.

This three hander follows Frankie from birth to death, with Alide Chaney playing Frankie from a young girl through to her demise at 71. Alide throws herself whole heartedly into the role. I felt it was a shame that it was decided to read her replies to letters, as somehow this made them feel less heartfelt, but on the whole this was an admirable performance, and as the only non-Irish performer her accent generally stood up to scrutiny.

While Frankie is barely off-stage throughout the performance, Alide’s colleagues work equally hard, playing a myriad of people in Frankie’s life from the fleeting relationship of letter writers, through her parents, sisters and other family members, her lover, and employers. Jennifer McGrath and Mike Anthony Sheehy work hard to create dozens of different characters, often transforming in seconds, in lovely ensemble work.

Kidogo Art House is an intimate space and Frank Murphy’s set is compact and allows for a great variety of spaces - although moving into the studio space feels a little awkward at times. Fiona Read’s Lighting Design helps with differentiation and Daniel David Toomath’s sound design helps define the passing of time.

While the show runs a little long, and obviously most Australian audiences will not have the same connection to the story as those watching the original Irish production. This is a story worth telling and the passion behind the project is palpable. I look forward to future work from the new Gromurph Productions.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: John Reid