The Flags is a relatively recent play, from the pen of Bridget O'Connor; as the name implies, an accomplished, blackly comic Irish writer. This production, by Insomniac Theatre, at the well-worn, but arts-supportive Cat & Fiddle Hotel, Balmain, is produced and directed by Maggie Scott, who hails from Manchester and, as such, isn't so very far removed from the source of the work. Perhaps this has enabled her to eke the utmost from a talented, committed and energetic cast, who've taken to the appropriate accents like ducks to water. Or perhaps it's the fact she's an actor herself. Whatever the reason, she's succeeded admirably. Mind you, she's found some quality putty to fashion. Andrew Mead also hails from the UK (apart from theatre, you might know him from, say, Home & Away, should that be your guilty, if inane, pleasure), and plays JJ, a mediocre lifeguard well-past his use-by. He dreams still of never-realised ambitions and status, and quietly pines for fast-vanishing youth and condition. He's become mean and exploitative, but, as with all complex beings exemplified universally in the human species, has a golden heart lurking somewhere deep inside. Mead imbues the role with all of this, not to mention an acute sensitivity to the double-edged nuances of humour present in the work, which enmeshes compassion with comedy; melancholy with whiplash irony and sarcasm.
His counterpart and the hapless innocent of the piece, Howie, is played by Scott Grimley, every bit the match for Mead's momentum. Thick as the proverbial plank, a sandwich short, Howie is the compliant acolyte of JJ, who thoroughly abuses this heroic, big brotherly endowment.
The key springboard for the comedy is the fact the two patrol the worst, most unpopular beach in Ireland. What's more, they've forgotten the contents of the manual, if ever they knew them, which has led to at least two avoidable deaths: one of a fatman, with 'sweets in his togs', eaten by Howie; the other a bag lady. They rationalise their failures as a failure on the part of the victims insofar as not wanting to be saved. Their pipedream, nonetheless, is to graduate to a veritable Baywatch lifestyle, at Banna, the mother of all beaches. This is contingent on the omnipotence and strings-attached, feigned benevolence of councillor Brenda, to whom they kowtow. Their revenge is complete, but by no means sweet.
In between, they cluelessly manage to aid, abet and, they think, kill (by lifesaving omission) another (jilted) woman, who takes to swimming in a bridal gown, laden with stones as pretty as diamonds. And if you think I've given it all away, fear not: there are yet other plot twists & turns to keep your interest.
It's dark in the way, for mine, of, say, Waiting For Godot. Its characters are surrendered to fate; sacrificed on its unforgiving altar. And that seems to be the thesis: the play points to our individual and collective inertia; our predictable gravitation towards entropy. You'll laugh while you're watching. And, perhaps, feel awkward about it, on reflection. It's not all beer and skittles, despite its being staged in a pub. Speaking of which, the 'stage' doesn't quite work: while wit has been employed as regards set and, particularly, props, it's unaesthetic, haphazard and distractingly busy. House lights don't suffice as lighting. Well, barely. And the ambience of being in the back bar is a little too intrusive, at times. What a pity the subterranean theatre space formerly known as The Crypt has died prematurely, at the hands, I understand, of the fire department. Or was it a zealous councillor, like Brenda?
It's a robust play which, like good wine, lingers on the palate. Better yet, Scott and co have delivered a quality of performance which does it proud indeed. Despite my quibbles about technical and backstage creative aspects, this affords more than enough reason to be a part of the season.
Insomniac Theatre presents
The Flags
by Bridget O'Connor
Directed by Maggie Scott
Venue: The Cat & Fiddle | 456 Darling Street, Balmain
Dates: Until Sun. 21 Mar 10
Times: Fridays & Saturdays @ 8.00pm, Sundays @ 6.00pm
Tickets: $25 / 20
Bookings:
