Edinburgh Fringe Review: Paddy Irishman, Paddy Englishman and Paddy…?
Paradise at the Vaults, Annexe ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Despite the title, there is no Paddy in Declan Groghan’s dark comedy about culture, identity, and patriotism set against the backdrop of Northern Ireland’s ‘Troubles’ and the Good Friday Agreement.
Kevin and Anto, a ‘culchie and a ‘Dub’, may be no ‘Plastic Paddies’ but neither are they Republican firebrands… despite what Anto may want people to think. That is until the night their Irish past collides with their new lives in London.
With their very survival on the line, both are forced to discover who they really are, whether or not they want to.
Set in a seedy bed-sit, Croghan’s laugh out loud play crams much into its 75 minutes while also maintaining a tendency to meander; tighter direction is needed to maintain momentum in those moments of this production.
If accents embark on an unintentional tour of Ireland and beyond, performances are otherwise strong, led by Chris Dennis who manages to make Anto as insecure as he is confident - a chancer who has taken one chance too many.
As easy-going barman Kevin, Joseph Mann does a nice line in ‘loosing his shit’ as the consequences of their actions spiral out of control, while Alex Jackson’s Una is forceful delight. Funny and fearless with a commanding presence.
Steve Grant, who also directs, meanwhile, is quietly sinister as the enigmatic Peter.
However, it’s Dennis who carries the piece. His Anto is a complex recipe of cheek, desperation, confusion and self-discovery. Could he ever be the IRA man he likes to gives the impression he is?
Exploring cause, country and conscience has never been more savagely comic than in this ambitious Fringe debut from Scotia Theatre, a company that boasts some cracking Scottish talent and proves a welcome new addition to the world’s biggest arts festival.
Ends August 19
Credit: Líam Rudden Media