FEIS is a story of ambition, intergenerational discord and Irish dancing, with a side order of chaos.
Deirdre (Louise Haggerty) is seriously over-invested in her daughter Aiofe’s (Leah Balmforth) dance career. Grandmother Maura (Julie Coombe) is delectably unhinged. Deirdre secretly makes ends meet by creating online Irish dance-themed adult entertainment. Family secrets come to light as Aiofe seeks to understand who she is.
Anna McGrath’s mercurial script energetically captures the love and battles between three generations of women. Director Laila McGrath keeps the pace just right, giving the actresses space to really go for it with the larger-than-life characters. The belly laughs come from the heart of the story, as the characters raise the stakes to outdo each other. Haggerty and Coombe are utterly committed to the escalating derangement of their characters, and Balmforth is authentic as Aiofe seeks grounding as a counterpoint to her preposterous elders.
The set, designed by Gillian Argo, is joyful in its details, with a collection of rosettes and a kitchy light-up Jesus. An armchair is draped with an Irish lace antimacassar, likely made by a matriarch of the family. Brian James O’Sullivan’s music supports the dance sequences and enhances the storytelling, and he contributes some laughs as the compere at the dance competition.
There is a frantic array of storylines, and I’d like to see more focus in the narrative. Nevertheless, if you’ve ever thought that your family was a bit weird, you’ll feel at home watching this play.
FEIS runs until 27th September at Traverse Theatre, with tickets available at https://www.traverse.co.uk/
Reviewer: Wendy McEwan
Reviewed: 24th September 2025
North West End UK Rating: