‘The Night Alive’ at the Old Fitz

How do you describe a play like The Night Alive? Too funny to be a tragedy, and too tragic for a black comedy, this new play by acclaimed Irish playwright Conor McPherson is brought brilliantly to life by Redline Productions, in association with O’Punksky’s Theatre.

An exploration of the humour that can be found in tragic circumstances, The Night Alive tells the story of Tommy and Aimee, two down-on-their-luck Dubliners who are both looking for an easy way to turn their lives around. With the help of Tommy’s friend Doc (short for Brian) and uncle/landlord Maurice, they start to figure things out – until Aimee’s ex-boyfriend Kenneth shows up…

It’s the kind of play that needs a delicate touch, with just the right blend of comic timing and melancholy to avoid becoming maudlin – a touch that the cast provides magnificently. The chemistry between the actors is readily apparent from the get-go and it’s a real pleasure to watch these people working together to realise the world of the play. There’s always a risk with single-set plays that scenes might become static, but director Maeliosa Stafford clearly has an eye for action that keeps the on-stage energy high without feeling forced (and that’s without mentioning the set design, which provides a colourful and dynamic environment for the actors). This, combined with a pace that, while often contemplative, never lets up entirely, creates a thoroughly immersive theatre experience.

The Night Alive can be tragic, amusing, touching, sometimes even brutal, but ultimately it’s a play about hope and redemption. It’s a reminder that once you stop running from your problems, even if it’s because you’ve hit rock bottom, that only means there’s nowhere to go but up. I think that’s something we need reminding of every now and then.

– Daniel
Writer, blogger, lover of theatre and Irish accents.

The Night Alive runs 13 September – 14 October (100 mins) at The Old Fitz Theatre. Purchase tickets now.
The venue is accessible.

Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of Redline Productions.
Image credit: Marmaras Shoots.