By Conor O’Neill
Photography courtesy of Carrie Davenport
“When I’m visible I expose myself to fear and violence”. The most powerful line of this play comes nearing the end. And what a powerful one act play this is.
Amanda Verlaque’s 60 minute script, superbly directed by Rhiann Jeffrey is a one woman show about homophobia, stalking and what would now be considered hate crime in today’s society. Set in the early 1990s this fast moving plot with many characters, all acted by Caoimhe Farren is sure to bring from laughter to heart rendering empathy.
Remember, if you dare, a life without mobiles, dating apps not even mentioned on Tomorrow’s World, when being gay was an act of defiance, when anything bar the usual was out of the question, and here we have the crux of Valeraque’s brilliance.
The Lyric’s Naughton theatre holds about 100 souls, every seat taken bar a few near the ground level floor’s action, and Farren owns it all. She even sits with and runs around the audience with total abandon. Switching from her new lover, Dubliner Jules, to abusive ex, ,The Shankill Fella’, a gay tutor, with references to Maggie Thatcher, Marlboro Lights, Jodie Foster, this hour of theatre will be sure to grasp your attention.
I must mention the production quality and other creatives, everything from lighting to music is top notch. The choreography, direction and all facets of the show are immediate and purely poweful.
There is a programme for download, but alas my phone and technophobia won’t allow me to give names and creatives worthy of so much deserved mention.
If there is a moral to this story, it can only be thank whatever god or goddess you choose to worship is that we’re living in more accepting times and never forget the hardships that went before us.
I implore you to see this show. It’s ace!
This Sh*t Happens All The Time runs up to and including Saturday April 2nd, 2022.
For booking details visit http://www.lyrictheatre.co.uk or simply phone the box office on 02890 381081
ENDS
CultureCrush NI 