Review: In like Flynn
From the pre-performance request to “Keep your chickens under control” right up to the final bow Tarry Flynn wraps its audience in a comfort blanket of mirth that’s intensely rewarding.
Probing existential themes like isolation, alienation and the haunting desire for something different has never been so hilarious. Set in the 1930s, this adaptation of Kavanagh’s novel lays out the trials and tribulations of a not-so-young farmer, poet and aspiring lover, and his quest for big fields, young women and the meaning of life.
First produced as a play at the Abbey Theatre in 1966, this Conall Morrison adaptation is brought to the stage by Nomad Theatre Network and Livin’ Dred Theatre. The heroic tale of internal conflict and the weight of expectation sifts through themes Kavanagh’s poetry was so adept at probing: sexual politics, an Irish person’s relationship with home, and how every little act can became a wonderful miraculous work.
Directed by Aaron Monaghan, the production has the hallmarks of the accomplished theatre practitioner. It’s stylish, without sacrificing substance, it’s innovative without conceding tradition. The actors move the set around, the costume changes are taking place in front of the audience, but you’ll have to take your eyes off the action for a second.
The full troupe of players are: Bryan Burroughs, Colin Campbell, Aisling O’Mara, Manus Halligan, Megan McDonnell, Niamh McGrath, Sarah Madigan, Matthew Malone and Seamus O’Rourke.
A resentful Tarry is constantly being torn away from the world inside his head. His mystic revelries are shattered when reality calls him to pare his mother’s corns.
The story engages; pulling the audience toward an inevitable conclusion, where the value of all things are questioned. The pace of the show is a curious alchemy of frenetic intensity and introspection. When pauses come, they draw all the oxygen out of the audience, leaving them gasping for the next utterance.
The phrases and the dialect are the argot of rural Ireland, back to front phrasing and topsy turvey conclusions. It’s deliciously done.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the play are the animals. The mere mention of the bull scene to anyone who has seen this production of Tarry Flynn elicits howls of laughter.
Another impressive facet was the performance of Aisling O’Mara, whose near seamless replacement of Alexandra Conlon happened with just a couple of days of rehearsal.
A review can’t be complete without an observation on the comic virtuosity of Seamus O’Rourke. O’Rourke’s portrayal of Mrs Callan had the audience bubbling with laughter at every appearance. Singling out individual actors feels a disservice, because this is such a wonderful ensemble performance, both on and off the stage.
The Nomad Theatre Network and Livin’ Dred Theatre’s production of Patrick Kavanagh’s Tarry Flynn was staged at The Townhall Theatre, Cavan last Thursday, Friday and Saturday. If you have an opportunity to see it at any of the adjacent touring venues you will be well rewarded.