In Search of Mr B, The Civic Theatre

Mr. B, Samuel Beckett himself, does know how to make an entrance. Accompanied by lighting flashes, creaking doors, fog drifting slowly and dramatically across the stage, and of course the classic horror chords familiar from old movies, it is enough to make Vincent Price feel at home in the large coffin, in what is a wonderful, cheeky start to the evening. Directions Out first production uses a lot of styles in delivering Brian McAvera's take on the early life of Samuel Beckett, removing the reverential and looking back through his life, his version of events challenged by the ventriloquist's Dummy, who starts off slumped on one of two chairs, a cross on the back of each, wearing an Irish flag waistcoat.

The Dummy (Bryan Murray) seems to enjoy correcting Mr. B (Michael Bates), while Mr B seems to get frustrated by the Dummy; a metaphor there, no doubt. It is an amusing idea, putting Beckett forward as a vampire, a nod to modern times, perhaps. Vaudevillian ideas come to the fore, interspersed with silent movie movements and music, as the show rattles along, pausing to discuss moments in Beckett's life, looking at them for what they are and what they appear to be, showing that the man is perhaps more complex than the work. 

Murray and Bates keep the momentum going with two well considered performances. Murray can be both the comedian, in the old vaudeville style - with proper bad puns; knowing that they are bad puns makes you smile more - or as a stronger corrector of Beckett's version of his own events. Bates as Mr. B, is nuanced, and a good foil to Murray's Dummy.

With excellent lighting by Conleth White, and perfectly atmospheric music (Conor Linehan) it keeps everything looking and feeling brighter. The stylings are delivered well, and with the right amount of fun, but perhaps at times could have been bigger and the vaudevillian, music hall and silent music style could have been used more. 

It is an amusing and pleasant evening, intriguing being another word, and the mix of styles does help keep it moving along through the early life of Beckett. It isn't only for the Beckett buffs, or having previous knowledge of the man. It doesn't wear out its welcome thanks to Bates, Murray and the stylings from directors McAvera and Joe Devlin, although a bit shorter might result in something a bit sharper, stranger, zanier and pacy.