Unveiling Imelda May's Unforgettable Triumph in Mother of All The Behans

2023-08-19 02:10:02

Review: Imelda May Triumphant in Mother of All The Behans

Last night marked the official opening of Imelda May's stirring portrayal of Kathleen Behan in Peter Sheridan's adaptation of "Mother of All the Behans" at the Olympia Theatre. The atmosphere in the theatre was electric, anticipating Imelda's first performance in the play.

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This venture pushes Imelda outside her artistic comfort zone, but she fearlessly embraces the challenge. In the days leading up to the show, she diligently immersed herself in the play, reciting lines and committing them to memory. It's a daunting task as "Mother of All the Behans" is a one-woman show, leaving Imelda solely responsible for carrying the entire performance.

However, she is not completely alone. The play is interspersed with songs, accompanied by musical director Sean Gilligan on piano, providing atmospheric music and support during Imelda's impassioned monologues and showstopping musical numbers.

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A Show of Spectacle and Emotion

The play opens with Imelda in bed, and from the moment she springs into action, director Peter Sheridan ensures an energetic and captivating performance. Imelda deftly navigates the stage, at times leaving the audience anxious for her safety on a raised plinth, but the excitement only adds to the overall experience.

Costume changes are seamlessly executed behind a strategically placed screen, often eliciting laughter from the audience. As Imelda's appearance transforms to reflect different stages of Kathleen Behan's life, the play cleverly reminds us that we are witnessing the life story of a woman who faced both hardships and triumphs as a member of the Behan family.

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The section that resonates most is the family's move from the inner-city to Crumlin, which highlights the struggles of those who were evicted and marginalized. This powerful portrayal reflects the unfortunate reality that, despite the passage of time, societal inequalities persist.

Imelda's performance also sheds light on the impact of three decades of war on Dublin's working class. Through vivid storytelling, the play underscores the immense suffering endured by everyday people, even those with intellectual aspirations like the Behan clan. The weight of their experiences is palpable.

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Awe-Inspiring Talent and Emotion

Imelda embodies her character with awe-inspiring talent, capturing the conversational tone of the script flawlessly. She skillfully delivers jokes that elicit laughter throughout the performance. Additionally, her facial expressions serve as a window into a world of emotions, brilliantly conveying fleeting thoughts and feelings.

The audience already knew Imelda possessed a captivating voice capable of evoking deep emotions. In this play, she showcases her vocal prowess with iconic classics such as "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye," the wit of "Miss Houligan's Cake," and the heart-swelling emotion of "The Laughing Boy" from Brendan Behan's “The Hostage.”

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Yet, Imelda's talent extends far beyond her ability to sing. She breathes life into these songs, striking the perfect balance of passion and pathos. It is as if "Mother of All the Behans" was written specifically for her, even though it first hit the stage in the 1980s.

A Fitting Finale

The final image of Molly Malone's ghost pushing her wheelbarrow through the streets of Dublin serves as a poignant ending. It captures the love shared by Kathleen Behan, Peter Sheridan, Imelda May, and the city itself. As the cry of "Cockles and mussels" echoes through the Dublin sky, it feels like the perfect The bottom line is to an enchanting evening of theatre.

If you have the opportunity, don't miss this remarkable production.

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