Shining City (PREVIEW), Theatre Royal Stratford East, ★ ★ ★ ★

I’d never seen a play by Conor McPherson. Well, that’s what I thought.  Yes, shock horror, and hang my head in shame. Having now experienced over 1000 productions (on my last count), I’d obviously heard of his name, and his infamous play The Weir (translated and performed in Welsh, a few years ago ), but for some reason, had no recollection of seeing any other productions. When I did a quick search on my archive, I realised that I HAD seen his The Night Alive at the Donmar in 2013, but the memory of that one-night-stand must have died. 

In its second preview at the iconic Theatre Royal Stratford East, there is no doubt that Artistic Director Nadia Fall’s latest production of his 2004 ‘ghost story set in Dublin’ Shining City, is a glowing spooky success. 

Set in the newly acquired run-down office / study of recently graduated therapist Ian (Rory Keenan) it’s a story about the troubled lives of two men, who are unexpectedly brought together. 

Brendan Coyle, better known as Mr Bates, from ITV’s Downton Abbey, is John, the client that comes to share his troubled life, and seek some peace of mind. Through a series of long monologue-like back-stories, we soon see the parallels between these two men, which are scarily suspicious.

With a running time of almost 120 minutes straight-through, there were several points during the production, where I felt it needed a break; not only because of the intensity of the piece, but also from my human tolerance and ability to sit in the dark, (face masked), for so long. But on it went, intentionally sustaining the tension, as to experience the ending in all its glory.

To a newbie like me of McPherson’s work, my critical brain began to doubt the legitimacy of these long back-story monologues, saved from the tedious by Coyle’s smooth and successful delivery. Beautifully timed, recalled and served with a touch of dark humour, it was impossible not to be taken in, by this city’s tragic tale. In hindsight, these constant streams of consciousness fit in perfectly, but are highly charged and uplifted by Coyle’s charismatic ability to capture and entertain an audience. 

Ian’s story, although far more subtle than John’s main plot, is spiced in one scene,  by the arrival of Neasa (Michelle Fox). This much needed relief from John’s on-going saga, along with the beautiful but unexpected arrival of Laurence (Curtis-Lee Ashqar) provide the depth for the eerie sub-plot. 

Another slight distraction, is the need to bring down the front cloth between each scene. In a production that omits an interval, and is totally dependent on the patience of an audience to stay with them for almost two hours, it becomes an unfortunate reoccurring issue. But do stay with it, and your patience and concentration will be rewarded at the end.

An impressive production and introduction to McPherson’s work, in the capable and charismatic hands of a strong company, led by the brilliance of Brendan Coyle.

Shining City, Theatre Royal Stratford East, ★ ★ ★ ★