The Factory Girls

The Irish Theatre Players presented this ensemble play by Frank McGuinness in the lovely community atmosphere of the Irish Club and some of the warmest front of house anywhere.

Set in County Donegal, the play tells of women at a shirt factory, whose jobs are under threat. The distinctive Donegal accents were well implemented by both Irish and Australian cast members - although tuning into the dialogue was a little difficult over noisy air conditioning and noise from the bar.

The ladies formed a formidable team. Susan Lynch was impressive as team-leader Ellen, an ‘aged up’ Hilary Readings was lovely as Una, Shannon Murphy made a very likeable Rebecca and Caroline McDonnell was very convincing as working mother Vera. Rounding out the quintet was Delia Ward as sweet but sassy messenger girl Rosemary.

Good support came from Ben Small as Union Rep Bonner and Jesse Watts as Manager Rohan, who made very brief appearances.

Claire Wynne created a realistic, shabby factory floor set, which converted well into the factory office during interval (apparently courtesy of the supporting actors - doing a lot more work than their characters).  John Spurling handled both lighting and sound nicely and Liz Quigley assembled simple but effective costumes.

The Factory Girls is a likeable ensemble piece with some really lovely roles for women. The production has been playing to large receptive audiences. Well worth a look for lovers of a well-told Irish story.

Kimberley Shaw