The Cripple Of Inishmaan @ The Noël Coward Theatre

I’m beginning to think that Michael Grandage can do no wrong. Privates On Parade was sublime, Peter and Alice magnificent… but Harry Potter with a thick Irish accent? Surely even MG can’t make this work?
Well, with apologies to Mr Radcliffe for any criticism I’ve previously made about his acting, The Cripple of Inishmaan just might (whisper it) be the best yet for Grandage’s season at the Noël Coward Theatre.
Radcliffe is wonderfully understated as Billy, the titular cripple. His performance is simple, but all the more effective for it. If his natural fast paced delivery obscures a couple of lines it can be forgiven… and the accent, you could be excused for thinking he was using his natural brogue. Impressive indeed from the only Englishman in the cast.
While Radcliffe is in the leading role, the star turn here (just about) comes from Pat Shortt as the Johnnypateenmike, the beliggerant roving newsman (gossip monger) who is determined to help his much put upon mother (June Watson) drink herself to death. Sarah Greene’s Helen McCormick is a joy too, playful and giggly, but the scourge of the village!
The story is a simple one. Billy is the butt of every joke in his small village, treated with a mix of pity and distain by all but his two aunts, Kate (Ingrid Craigie) is relentlessly cheery, but has a predilection for holding conversations with rocks, while the worldly wise Eileen (played brilliantly by Gillian Hanna) realises that Billy is more than just their crippled nephew, he’s a young man wanting to venture out into the world.
When a Hollywood film crew arrive on the neighbouring island of Inishmore, Billy sees his chance to see the world outside his little island…
Martin McDonagh’s script is fast paced, relentlessly witty and surprisingly moving, but most of all it feels very natural. The cast, whether I’ve mentioned them above or not, are universally excellent!
The show closes this week, so try and grab a ticket while you still can!