Stags and Hens – a great play from Devious Theatre

By Aisling Hurley
DEVIOUS Theatre have once again surpassed expectations with their latest play Stags and Hens. It shows a new maturity in their work after the excellent productions of Cannibal The Musical, Trainspotting and John Morton's original work - Heart Shaped Vinyl and Smitten.

They have really grown as a troupe with this play by Willy Russell revelling in the meatier parts on offer. Set in 1970s Liverpool, all the action takes place in the toilets of a nightclub. A stag and hen party of the same wedding meet over one fateful and very drunken night.

It is a play essentially about shattered dreams. The sadness of the characters lives is depicted in hilarious detail where all they have is sex, football and music to lift them out of their drudgery.

This production of the play captured all of its wit but didn't flinch from the pathos either, providing a great night’s entertainment for all. One performance deserves special mention - Ken McGuire was fantastic as the frustrated bully Eddy. He brilliantly captured every nuance of his pathetic swagger.

Also John Morton delivered a great character study of a weak willed Lothario, Robbie with Ciara Donegan stealing the show on the girls' side as the brassy best friend Bernie who is all dirty talk and no action.

Their brilliant physical comedy and timing with gags was supplemented by a more rounded approach. It was not as immediate as their other plays but definitely a more satisfying experience. The only criticism was that the Scouser accents drifted at times and some jokes were lost because of bad projection.

Overall, the real joy of their shows are the audiences they attract - not just the usual friends of the cast or cultural snobs but cool people with tattoos and cans of beer.

Long may they continue.