The Lonesome West

‘The Lonesome West’ is by contemporary, English born, Irish playwright Martin McDonagh. It was nominated in 1999 for a Best Play Tony Award. It is the third part of his Connemara trilogy, three plays depicting the shocking and violent goings-on in the fictional town of Leenane, ‘the murder capital of the world’. This VERY dark comedy is presented by the Irish Theatre Players and is showing at the Irish Club, 61 Townsend Road, Subiaco each night at 8.00 until the 21^st November.

      It is 1996 in Leenane, which has more murders than Midsomer and Miss Marples’ village comined, is situated in the picturesque County Galway. In the run down cottage, caustic, disgruntled and totally without scruples, Coleman Connor (Billy Nash) is returning from his father’s funeral. His Dad, having died in a shotgun handling accident. Sitting with Coleman is the dejected, alcoholic and exasperated parish priest, Father Welsh (Ivan Motherway), whose advice to the villagers is constantly unheeded.

      As they discuss the events of the day over a glass (or twelve) of poteen, Coleman’s money-grabbing brother, Valene (Sean Haining), arrives. Valene amasses religious nick-nacks, especially figurines of the Virgin Mary and the saints which he displays proudly.

      Neither of the brothers shows any grief at their father's death. Indeed, Coleman’s main interest in life is eating, even attending funerals solely for the vol-au-vents at the wakes.
All of their lives, the two brothers have found it impossible to be in the same room without the most violent disputes, over minor topics. Even an innocuous and banal wrong word would send them into a violent rage.

     The middle-aged brothers’ only common love is Girleen (Nicola Lohan), a randy schoolgirl who will do anything for a couple of bob.

Can there be any hope for these feuding men? Or are they simply both doomed to Hell?

This very dark comedy demands a director who can bring out the humour of the situation, whilst still keeping the powerful hatred of the two brothers to the fore. Director Jim Motherway has succeeded magnificently. The four terrific members of the cast kept the frantic pace leaping along. The two brothers must have been totally drained after this two-hour marathon of physical and verbal abuse. The priest was wonderful in depicting his absolute despair in having to live in such a town. Newcomer Nicola added the beauty and light relief to the story. A few good technical effects.

A very high standard of production with memorable performances. Feckin’ good. Highly recommended.