The Stage

The Beauty Queen of Leenane

Published Wednesday 23 September 2009 at 15:05 by John Hannam

Next year is the tenth anniversary of the London Classic Theatre company and their future will be guaranteed for many more years if they continue to produce quality shows such as The Beauty Queen of Leenane. This four-hander is a gem and beautifully directed by Michael Cabot. There are so many emotions in this powerful family drama of two Irish women, both frustrated for different reasons. Amidst the joyous bouts of earthy comedy, you can almost sense, in several dramatic and pivotal moments, the affections of the audience swinging from one character to another.

Carole Dance as Mag Folan and Alice Selwyn as Maureen Folan are simply electrifying and their exchanges, both verbally and visually, help to make this a memorable production. Paul Boyle, as Pato Dooley, makes such an impact and two of his very effective scenes, the late-night kitchen seduction and the eventual letter home, are key moments. Alan DeVally makes an impression in every all too brief appearance as Ray Dooley and he thrives on several comedy opportunities.

The short scenes add much to the overall effect of this production and the set is so realistic. The four players certainly earn their curtain calls. It was such a pity it was not a larger house to celebrate their considerable impact. It’s a play that leaves you thinking long after the curtain comes down.