The Shaughraun

By Robert Iles - 3rd Jun 2005

Following two sell-out seasons at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, Dion Boucicault's The Shaughraun, hurtles into the West End. This 19th century Irish melodrama directed by Riverdance's John McColgan, has all the usual ingredients including star-crossed lovers, dastardly villains and the inevitable victory over evil but distinctive to Irish melodrama, it also explores political intrigue, social reform and feisty female heroines.

The evil Corey Kinchela, the forces of the British Army and a liberal dose of nineteenth century Fenian politics contrive to keep the various lovers apart. But in the end love triumphs with more than a little help from Conn the Shaughraun and his faithful dog Tatters. Throughout, the audience are urged to boo, hiss and cheer in an attempt to recreate an authentic 19th century theatrical experience.

However, I just wanted to see the melodrama in its pure form unaided by references to mobile phones and other 21st century paraphernalia, played authentically without recourse to modernism. Although impressed by the Riverdance choreography, I wondered what the production would have been like without the populist commercial gloss so evident in this production.

Francis O’Connor’s set splendidly revealed magical location after location. The cast rose to the occasion with one hundred percent energy and commitment and the auditorium was awash with hand –clapping, feet stomping approval. And why not? This was an example of feel-good ‘top- of – the morning’ entertainment.

Marie McCarthy