Somewhat unexpectedly Victoria is currently a good place to watch theatre with " Billy Elliott" and " Wicked" packing them in at the Victoria Palace and Apollo Victoria respectively. However, literally just around the corner is a hidden treasure, just above the Stag pub a 60 seater theatre can be found having been established just two years ago.
Their current production " The Irish Curse" tells the tale of men attending a group session where they can openly discuss their lack of size in the trouser department. It is set in Father Shaughnessey's church in Brooklyn Heights where we meet him and and his three regular attendees who immediately embark upon their usual repartee.
The dramatic impetus is provided by the arrival of a new member, Keiran. This allows the playwright the opportunity for the other characters to reveal their stories thus giving the actors their moment in the spotlight providing both humour and pathos.
So far so cosy but Kieran, the only truly born Irishman amongst them is a question asker. Suddenly, the others are forced to open up further than before revealing new secrets ( including the Father himself) and altering the way they see each other. This many sound a little episodic ( which it is) but is all highly watchable. All 5 characters were well-drawn and different with their own takes on what having a small dick means to them. The dialogue is believable and struck the right balance between comedy and drama and most importantly avoiding falling into the pit of melodrama.
Some performances and material were better handled than others but for me the highpoint of the evening was the ensemble playing between the cast. The inter-action between the existing group was so natural that you truly believed they had been meeting regularly. As their previously hidden layers were peeled away there seemed real concern and caring from their colleagues, in particular from Kiel O'Shea as the brash Rick. The decision to end the play with " Here Comes The Sun" by the Beatles was inspired and I will happily admit that I wiped away an emotional tear.
Oddly enough for such an intimate subject this was an unexpectedly tasteful production. One was character was gay (as was most of the audience) but apart from some understandedly ripe and choice language there were no unsavoury scenes. A play and venue to be applauded as a timely reminder that there are plenty of gems to be found outside the big theatres.
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