BWW Reviews: THE NIGHT ALIVE, The Donmar Warehouse, June 20 2013

Conor McPherson's scintillating new drama, The Night Alive, is by turns surprising, abhorrent and profound. An uncommonly tangible play, this is a must-see for anyone who wants to be up to date with Contemporary Theatre.

Music is used strikingly throughout, especially at the play's opening; combined with Neil Austin's lighting, the powerful and vivid sound plunges the audience into a state of intrigued anticipation - and McPherson's script and cast far from disappoint. Ciarán Hinds absolutely excels as Tommy, a kind bloke who's obviously made some mistakes in his time and is an exasperating lodger in his uncle's home. Tommy tries to keep his ex wife at arm's length whilst keeping in touch with his children as much as he can bear-to-bother-to, all the while accompanied by the loyal and sweetly dim Doc. Their teetering existence is interrupted by Aimee, whom Tommy assists in a time of need. Caoilfhionn Dunne brings a superb toughened fragility to the role; while she seems to bring little but trouble to Tommy's world, Dunne possesses a haunting quality, which is desperately pitiful. All action takes place in a delightfully detailed set by Soutra Gilmore.

McPherson directs as superbly as he writes, demonstrating real understanding of the how to work with actors. The comedy is fantastically natural, with McPherson displaying his usual understanding of silence's value and a brilliantly earnest cast. Doc is played extremely sensitively by Michael Mcelhatton. Brian Gleeson gives an extremely nasty performance as Kenneth. He is quite excellent, but not to be watched by the faint-hearted. The only occasionally weak link is Jim Norton's Uncle Maurice - at times Norton would be more physically compatible with a larger venue. Norton is compelling and moving when playing sober, though.

However, for the most part, this is evocative, dynamic and thought-provoking theatre. Without ever stirring into the realms of meaningless sentimentality, especially Mcelhatton provides a quite beautiful and profound final scene. Here is the first successful production of The Night Alive - moving to be followed by many more.

The Night Alive runs at the Donmar Warehouse until 27 July 2013 and is unsuitable for young audiences.

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