Riveting and far reaching, a masterclass of storytelling.
The Sheffield Theatres and Royal Exchange Theatre Production of Dancing at Lughnasa is inspired by its renown writer’s own life and Brian Friel’s powerful play is given an outstanding outing by the new Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, Elizabeth Newman. Newman’s vision is crisp, captivating and concise, disregarding sentimentality and instead allowing the audience to witness the societal change on a generation with great intricacy and care.
It is harvest time in 1936, rural Donegal, Ireland and we meet the five unmarried Mundy sisters. Their lives are marred with hardship yet laced with unfulfilled and often hidden dreams and in one season their mundane lives are changes irrevocably. Enter Uncle Jack, a clergyman of the Catholic Faith (and a possible catalyst), has he returns from several decades in Uganda, a broken man. Dancing At Lughnasa is a play of encroaching modernity verses familiar tradition, of desire verses duty, of grief verses love and of repression verses expression. It is an outpouring of a longing for freedom in an era that gives the women little autonomy. Dance is the unspoken storyteller in this play, it tells of laughter, of love, of anger and of desperation and thus needs no words. Sundeep Saini creates some wonderfully poignant moments as Movement Director with just the right amount of suggestive, emotive energy.
Narrated retrospectively by Michael (Kwaku Fortune), Friel pens a masterpiece of theatrical storytelling. Told in his now adult form, Michael (the man) is a presence on stage, yet his child self is never seen but is constantly involved in the character’s lives. This speaks volumes as to Michael’s understanding, as a child, of the changes around him, adding yet another facet.
The Theatre in the round set by Francis O’Connor is exceptional and an instant indication of the theatrical class we are to see on stage – from its soaring hills and haystacks to its interior living areas, all surrounded by the greenery of a world they walk in. The detail; as with O’Connor’s costume design; is both detailed, symbolic and far reaching. Chris Davey’s lighting design gives ambience in abundance and Pippa Murphy Compositions and sound designer produces a harmonious blend to complete the picture.
The casting of the production hits its heart, with a perfect collaboration of performers. The cast are individuals but collective and their performance is as equal as it is different. The upright and devote Christian/Catholic, Kate played by Natalie Radmall-Quirke never misses a beat and her unspoken facial expressions tell her story beautifully. Siobhan O’Kelly as Maggie, the comedian and liveliest of the sisters is captivating to behold and the character I personally, most identified with. Martha Dunlea as Chris is serene on stage and come into her own in the scenes with Gerry (Marcus Rutherford) her frequently absent love and the father of Micheal. Agnes (Laura Pyper) plays the quieter and the more observant sister but shows her strength of character with her courage to escape and follow her dreams. Agnes’ caring nature is evident in her interactions with Rose (Rachel O’Connell), her sister who is emotionally immature and in need of direction in life. O’Connel plays Kate with some wonderfully insightful moments, and her innocence is a joy to behold. Frank Laverty as Jack gives a superb performance as the broken man and grows as his English vocabulary comes back to him and his memories both shock and suggest a different way of live. A very visual performer who uses the dramatic pause to great effect.
I can only say this is an absolute tour de force of storytelling at its finest, beautifully written, spellbinding aesthetically, heart-breaking and heart-warming emotionally and brought to life by an exceptional cast and creative team. Elizabeth Newman must take high praise for her first production as the new Artistic Director at Sheffield Theatres, and I can’t wait to experience her future works.
At your peril miss this production – you have been warned!
Dancing At Lughnasa is the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield until Saturday 4th October 2025 and tickets are available at the Sheffield Theatres Box Office.
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 18th September 2025
North West End UK Rating: