Camden New Journal - Review: Theatre: Kitty and Damnation

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The Review - THEATRE by LAURA DUKES
Published: 20 August 2009

Witty Kitty wins Irish hearts

KITTY AND DAMNATION
Lion and Unicorn

IRELAND, 1829. Not perhaps the most exciting setting for a play, but Kitty and Damnation proves to be an adventurous, heartfelt comedy with humorous, genuine characters and a touching plot lined with tragedy.
Joseph Crilley’s witty piece follows the travels of troublesome Kitty Galloway (Amy Molloy) and rugged Ned McIlduff (Ruairi Conaghan) from rural Ireland to London.
A series of turbulent yet comic episodes caused by chaotic Kitty leads them to the London stage where a mix up has devastating consequences.
The players mastered the potentially difficult Irish accents, which didn’t wane for a moment. This is a well cast piece with all the actors showing accordant energy and style both vocally and physically of the lower class in the 19th century.
Molloy plays the beautful and wild lead and portrays the conventions of an anti-heroine; she is manipulative and seductive while simultaneously winning our hearts.
Elsewhere, there are excellent performances from the drunken tragedian Edmund Kean (Edward Kingham), Kitty’s dim sweetheart Davy Cochrane (Shane Armstrong), and her antagonized sister Julia Galloway (Charlotte McCurry).
The play comments on the Catholic and Protestant conflict in Ireland and its social impact.
Kitty becomes a victim of this conflict and, whilst the play has a subtle humour, it makes a poignant comment about the struggles which the dispute imposed on the lower class Catholics.
A fast paced and enjoyable play.
Until September 12
08444 771 000

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