Characters come to life in Connemara

DEDICATED TO THE ROLE: Mick, played by Ayden Malone, and Thomas (Sandy Britain) sort out their differences to a startled Maryjohnny (Liz Minogue) and Mairtin (Sabian Coomber-Nickerson). Picture supplied

With only four characters, Unity Theatre's latest play A Skull in Connemara demands more than usual from its actors.

This slight concern from director Norman Maclean was quickly erased once rehearsals began.

“From the beginning, there was such a concentrated effort being made. It was amazing to hear the characters coming to life so quickly,” he says.

“They were dispensing with their scripts for quite long sequences. I can't recall working with any cast that has mastered their words with such comparative ease.”

Apart from the dedication of the four actors, the lively dialogue created by Irish playwright Martin McDonagh may well have had its influence.

Between them, Liz Minogue, Ayden Malone, Sandy Britain and Sabian Coomber-Nickerson have made McDonagh's colourful and eccentric characters their own, breathing life into them in a manner that is bound to captivate audiences.

With a little over three weeks to go until opening night, the cast is showing a confidence and professionalism that is not always typical of plays performed anywhere, says Maclean.

A Skull in Connemara opens on April 1. With limited seating due to Covid restrictions, early reservations are advised. Tickets from or i-SITE.