The Beauty Queen of Leenane: Theatre by the Lake
In the same week that The Banshees of Inisherin opened in cinemas, Martin McDonagh’s 1990’s drama, also set in Ireland, has been revived on the stage at the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick.
Performed as literally a kitchen-sink drama, against the backdrop of a stunning mountain, it’s a powerful portrayal of the complex relationship between mother Mag (Susan Twist) and daughter Maureen (Elizabeth Appleby) and the toxic effect of the mother’s determination to be cared for – and the daughter’s resentment of her duty of care.
It’s an evocative stage set, a simple stone cottage, in an isolated position, with excellent use of lighting on the mountain backdrop. And the play shocks from the beginning, with the poisonous relationship between mother and daughter making it uncomfortable watching.
Here’s McDonagh’s mastery of black humour, because in some quite vicious dialogue with threats of violence from the daughter, it’s delivered so casually that you burst out laughing.
The “simple” brother Ray, played by Cameron Tharma, is both funny and vaguely threatening, as he sees both women quite clearly, and determinedly refuses to let go of a decades-held grudge, which leads ultimately to tragedy. Or was that inevitable anyway?
Audience sympathy was strong for the shy and decent Pato (Cillian O Gairbhi) especially when he’s reading aloud a letter he’s writing from London to his “Beauty Queen” Maureen back in Ireland. But even if their attempts at a relationship hadn’t been thwarted, would she have pushed the self-destruct button anyway?
All four characters are complex and our emotions towards them switch between sympathy and intense dislike. The monologues were delivered brilliantly, but when we laughed at the cruel humour, we instantly felt guilty ourselves.
It’s a very powerful piece of theatre from a master director and writer, whose latest film is surely heading for the Oscars. But equally brilliant is the direction from Keswick’s own artistic director Liz Stevenson. We left the theatre feeling battered and bruised but in awe of a writer and actors that can deliver such powerful performances.
It’s playing till November 11. Tickets and details: https://www.theatrebythelake.com/whats-on/
Ruth Halsey and Susan Williamson
Stagey Lady 