The Lieutenant of Inishmore – The Curve Theatre, Leicester

Writer: Martin McDonagh

Director: Paul Kerryson

Reviewer: David Noble

The Public Reviews Rating:

Think Father Ted meets Reservoir Dogs. The Lieutenant of Inishmore is one those rare creations that clearly draw ideas from a multitude of incredibly varied sources yet does not seem clichéd in the slightest. Martin McDonagh’s macabre, cat-butchering spectacle set in early 90s Ireland has the advantage of being laced with humour (at times laugh out loud), and is the true definition of a black comedy. Brutal and uncompromisingly gory, it lacks any form of real substance regarding the Irish troubles, but is nonetheless an intriguing piece of theatre.

The plot centres on the death of the local paramilitary lieutenant’s cat, and the subsequent attempts of his father to try and hide this fact from his notoriously violent son. A bizarre premise indeed, yet the story twists and turns with still more cadavers (both feline and human) and the involvement of the INLA. It is gripping viewing, and the dialogue is consistently sparkling, if lacking much depth.

However, the choice of music in between scenes was somewhat perplexing. I’m sure heavy metal must have a place in theatre, but it did not really suit the drama that unfolded, apart from showing pure anger perhaps. Technically, besides this, the production was flawless. The set, designed by Juliet Shillingford, in particular was manipulated expertly, and the special effects were quite magnificent. Blood spurted up walls and limbs were thrown about with great gusto!

The undoubted star of the show was Patrick Moy, playing the beleaguered next door neighbour Davey; he demonstrated fantastic comedic timing whilst also being utterly believable in quite surreal scenarios. Although he was excellent, the entire cast were also very strong, in what was a physical, intense performance.

The true genius of this play lies in the presentation of unerring loyalty. The lieutenant has a deep affinity for his cat, which does not fit his personality in the slightest, and equally he has a belligerent desire to liberate Ireland, and this is based on little rationality. He tortures and kills because he is effectively a sadist, not due to his beliefs. Thus rather than focusing on specific Irish problems, The Lieutenant of Inishmore is a study on our basic primal needs. Yet this is subtly carried out in a manner that is not remotely depressing, truly it is a joyous carnival of blood and bitter humour. Innovative theatre at its best.