David Ireland is known for his particularly absurd, political and wildly unpredictable pieces. This new play does not fail to reach and exceed the marks he has set for himself. David was commissioned, along with Robert Anthony Welch to write in response to the 100th anniversary of the Partition and what was created was an utter shock from start to end. Starting with only tiptoeing into dark territory to then diving head first to the end of the dark comedy spectrum. This piece does push buttons and people- but that is the intention.
The piece follows ‘Snuffy’ (Daragh O’Malley) a Northern Irish protestant who begins in a Doctors office asking for advice on his neighbour’s dog who is constantly barking, so much so that he cannot sleep at night. Although he asks the neighbour to keep his dog quiet, the neighbour swiftly exits with a mumble that no such dog exists. We follow him on an unpredictable journey to an ending that I’m sure no one could see coming.
The quality of storytelling and character was also top of the game for this cast, all members created strong, hilarious characters that it was hard to choose who to watch at a time. Each of them approached the stage with confidence and that really brought this crazy piece to life which in result, helped to drive their points home.
This was a thrill to watch as it felt really truthful to how David Ireland feels today, and it is great to see a playwright confident in their ‘unnaturalism’.
Political, crude and absolutely unpredictable in every conceivable way.
Continues until 18th December https://finboroughtheatre.co.uk/production/yes-so-i-said-yes/
Reviewer: Alice Rose
Reviewed: 25th November 2021
North West End UK Rating: ★★★