Dancing at Lughnasa

Genre: Drama
Opened 5 March 2009
Written: by Brian Friel
Directed: Howard Davies
Cast: Andrea Corr (Chris), Niamh Cusack (Maggie), Michelle Fairley (Kate), Susan Lynch (Agnes), Simone Kirby (Rose), Finbar Lynch (Jack), Peter McDonald (Michael), Jo Stone-Fewings (Gerry)
Synopsis: A bittersweet reflection of rural Ireland in the thirties on the brink of industrialisation, Portrait of the five Mundy sisters following their loss of love and opportunity played out against the echoes of the twentieth century.

What the popular press had to say.....
CHARLES SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "Utterly beguiling, deeply moving revival...at every moment the play feels startlingly true, tender and fresh... there isn't a single weak performance in this magnificent revival of a play of true greatness." NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "A flawed but fascinating Chekhovian view of Thirties women fighting to escape their destinies." BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE for THE TIMES says, "Leaves me...moved, amused and enchanted...wonderful play." MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "Excellent revival...It's a cunning piece that works on several levels. In part, it's a memory play in which the adult Michael looks back in languor on life in rural Donegal with his unmarried mum, Chris, her four sisters and their mad missionary brother...But it's also a play about a family on the edge of break-up." JEREMY AUSTIN for THE STAGE says, "As near a perfect production as you'll see." QUENTIN LETTS for THE DAILY MAIL says, "A fine show."

External links to full reviews from popular press
The Guardian
The Times
Daily Telegraph

Production photo by Manuel Harlan