Theatre review: Lough/Rain

Published on Tuesday 5 August 2008 09:13

LOUGH/RAIN *** UNDERBELLY (VENUE 61)

THIS new play, which looks at coping with disability, could be half its current length as, up until half way through, it feels like a pretty mundane depiction of a couple chatting in a kitchen. But if you can keep yourself awake for the first half hour – and, it has to be said, some of the audience struggled with this – there is a compelling second act.

Michael (Jot Davies) and Caoimhe (Kate Donmall) initially have a pretty ordinary, and not very theatrical, life chatting about their day, checking what's in the fridge, and putting the dog out. This is all played out to the relentless sound of the sea and a ticking clock, neither of which help to liven things up.

But half way through we realise that we're witnessing the final moments before Michael has a horrendous car crash. Due to this, he suffers brain damage and we next meet him in a care home, where his relationship with Caoimhe is limited to daily visits. And it's here that the story starts to make sense. Davies' portrayal of disabled Michael is truthful and sad, while Donmall epitomises the dilemma of a carer stuck between doing what's best for her partner, without taking away his free will.

It's incredibly tragic to watch a previously able-bodied man reduced to someone struggling to talk and move, but determined to "get back to work." It's a shame this conflict doesn't form a greater part of the play from the offset. It feels like different parts of the piece are written by different people, and upon reading the programme, it seems like they are. Writers Declan Feenan and Clara Brennan both have a strong command of naturalistic dialogue, but while I've given the piece three stars, the first half deserves two, and the second half deserves four. So please bear with me until the end.

• Until 24 August. Today 1pm