Taragh Loughrey-Grant

If you can get your hands on a ticket for Martin McDonagh's 'The Cripple of Inishmaan' take it and run. A brilliant night's entertainment awaits.

The opening night was a miserable Monday eve however seconds into the play, audiences were already rolling around the aisles, where they stayed for almost two hours fifteen minutes.

Oscar winner, Martin McDonagh's story is set on the Island of Inishmaan in 1934 and focuses on the cripple, Billy, his two 'aunties' and the locals who pass through their shop. News is thin on the ground until word spreads about a Hollywood film being made on the neighbouring island of Inishmore.

It's little wonder that McDonagh has been hailed as one of the modern luminaries of play- and screen writing. Even his earliest work, such as this 1996 piece which has and will continue to stand the test of time, exemplifies his talent. His signature combination of black humour, unpredictable twists, cultural references and sharp dialogue ensure audiences are consistently entertained. Whilst it's a lighter shade than 'In Bruges', the Olympia air is definitely blue by curtain close.

The casting is superb, featuring a number of renowned actors from stage, silver- and small screen. There are excellent turns from 'The Tudors' Aaron Monaghan, 'Rome's' Kerry Condon, 'No Reservations' Dearbhla Molloy, 'Pure Mule's' Marie Mullen and 'Veronica Guerin's' Laurence Kinlan. It's refreshing to see such a wide ranch of acting talents and ages performing side by side. Johnny Pateen Mike is played by David Pearse, who previously starred in McDonagh's Oscar winning short 'Six Shooter'. It's a larger than life role that Pearse tries, and almost succeeds, to make his own.

The production is pitch perfect in terms of direction, set and pace. The inclusion of clips from Robert J Flaherty's award-winning documentary 'Man of Aran' is a clever touch. Helmed by Tony award winner Garry Hynes, Druid know their McDonagh, with 'The Beauty Queen of Leenane', 'The Lonesome West' and 'A Skull in Connemara' successfully under their belt. Now that they've tackled the first of McDonagh's Aran Islands Trilogy here's hoping the remaining two ('The Lieutenant of Inishmore', 'The Banshees of Inisheer') will reappear soon.

The Cripple of Inishmaan