The Playboy of the Western World - Garrick Theatre

Reviewed by Louis Trembath

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Review for The Playboy of the Western World by Louis Trembath

When we invite people into our lives, we can never really know how they could sway our morals and our actions for better or worse, which is exactly what “The Playboy of the Western World” brings to the Garrick Theatre.

Presented by The Garrick Theatre Club Inc and described as “a traditional Irish Comedy”, expect nothing less and so much more from this hilarious and morally ambiguous tale written by John Millington Synge and directed by Siobhan Vincent.

“The Playboy of the Western World” follows the lives of a small Irish town, and what occurs when a handsome and slightly proud murderer wanders in from the cold – eventually enthralling the small Irish town with the tale of the murder he committed, and playing the part of the big bad Playboy.

The principal cast for the production includes Garrison Cox as Christopher Mahon, Ron Arthurs as Old Mahon, Gavin Crane as Michael James Flaherty, Rebekah Hannah as Margaret Flaherty (Peegen), Ian Staunton as Shawn Keogh, Siobhan Vincent as Widow Quin, Ben Vaughan-Sanders as Philly Cullen, Kerry Goode as Philomena Cullen, and Stuart Ridgway as Jimmy Farrel.

Each performer put their all into their performances and took on the characters by making them their own, from the accents to their own characterisations through each and every line of dialogue. Some main highlights of the production would be the incredible Garrison Cox, Siobhan Vincent, and Rebekah Hannah - taking on such powerful roles and delivering both characters with perfect characterisation and energy, especially when interacting with each other and their fellow cast members.

The ensemble of ladies who had fallen under the Playboy’s spell was Isabella Di Giovanni as Sara Tansey, Kirsty Plews as Susan Brady, Piper Gibson as Honor Blake, and Olivia Keary as Nelly, all of whom added an engaging and humorous tone to the production, throwing themselves at the Playboy and falling for his tales.

Set Designer, Set Construction, and Lighting Designer Jake Newby (with the help of Stage Manager and Set Construction Graeme Dick, Assistant Stage Manager Isabelle Melbin, Lighting Designer Joe Hoedemaker, Prop Designer Marion West, and Painters Nera Camponovo and Paris Jenner) put together an incredible set which really brings the audience into the space with the use of backgrounds, props, specific colour palettes, and lighting which makes the space feel cozy and warm.

An additional element that can change the tone of any production is costumes, which the amazing Tamar Basini achieves and goes beyond to curate the looks for each individual character perfectly – each look telling stories about each individual character and the lives they have lived.

Overall, an incredible performance and a must-see this June!

Reviewer Note: Tickets for this review were provided by the theatre company