The Queen and the Peacock is another gay themed play running in the Dublin Fringe Festival,
Running from October 1st to October 6th at the new 286 seater "Draiocht" theatre, across from the
Blanchardstown shopping center.
Produced by the Red Kettle Theatre Company, Events are based in a south London surburb
not known for its Irish population.
The arrival of some fresh meat in the form of a gay Irish emigrant from
Ballyfermot raises a plucked eyebrow from the local drag Queen on his
first night in a gay club...But how local is he?? Another regular Irish
drinker there Donegal is on the run from his family. Took flight to London to escape the 'pressure'.. "you know how it is", and is faced
with an ultimatum from his parents back home while having to cope with his
"best"friend dying in a hospice from Aids.
Vivid descriptions and well expressed emotions provide a quick insight
into the now deceased bar customer. It gets complicated with much back
biting by the queen, which quickly leads to a no holes barred blazing row amongst
them, with the newly arrived Irish guy providing a much needed sanity
(and humour) to the situation.
Excellent timing and acting by the Barman/manager who has his own
secret problem to cope wtih. I couldnt help but compare him to 'Dave' who
plays the part of a barman in Arthur Dalys winchester club! The set was excellent
and most realistic, except when the Donegal guy was fixing himself a pint..
it appeared to be airlocked a bit (grin).
The play will keep your attention from start to finish, and is well
worth attending. 120 minutes plus interval. Entry price is £10. a bit steep
in comparison to other fringe events but nonetheless worth it.There was no
programme available so the names are only in order of appearance on a
flyer. John Heweitt, Tony Flynn, Charlie Bonnar and Daragh Cunningham.
With director credits going to Loughlin Deegan.
