The Good Father, Axis: Ballymun

It's New Years Eve when Tim and Jane meet at a friend's party. Jane is recently out of a long term relationship, wine glass in hand, not able to stand still. Tim on the other hand, is sitting down, a white plastic bag at his feet, drinking from tins, but it's his words that aren't staying still. They are from different sides of the tracks, so to speak; he's a painter and decorator, she's a lawyer. As the New Year breaks, Jane knows of a place they can go, which is the beginning of a year that has the possibilities of a fresh start but in reality becomes more of an emotional rollarcoaster ride in Christian O'Reilly's play that first saw the light of day thanks to Druid Theatre Company.

In Mark O'Brien's production, Tim, played by Emmet Kirwan, the cheeky, but somewhat uncertain and uneasy, but decent chappie, is the entry point for us, our connection into the play, underlined perhaps by Marie Tierney's painter sheets inspired set; one large sheet covers an equally large box, while another hangs and crumples on top of another similar box. This breaks up the space and mainly gives it levels. Locations are conjured simply by lights and a few props, as the dialogue comes out at a quick pace.

Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire gets a mention, which is apt particularly as Kirwan himself is on fire in this brilliant, funny and emotional performance, creating beats, rhythms and patterns with O'Reilly's lines, his body moving with the flow and emotion as they emerge into the space. There's also his expressions in acting off the lines, drawing laughs from them alone. It is a real joy, and at times great fun, to watch. But it doesn't stop him from bringing out the emotion and anger at the right moments, all done strongly, giving life to the piece and making it work even better. Having to play opposite this is Nyree Yergainharsian, bringing out the uncertainty of Jane well, a good counter to Tim, facing her own uncertainty with life and what it can throw up. 

With many great one liners, and larger 'explanations' of life in general from Tim, there is a more sombre tone as the story of this unlikely couple unfolds. It is sustained through dialogue, and longer monologues that are always part of the conversation, while showing a more contemporary Ireland, and the pace doesn't flag either. 

What we have is a very funny, enjoyable and touching story, that has at its centre a great energetic and knowing performance from Kirwan, while keeping the focus on characters and story in this two handed play.