Ottawa Fringe 2013: St Nicholas by Conor Mcpherson

Directed by J.D. Campbell  With Robert Welch

A smashing dialogue by one of Ireland’s foremost playwrights which has a wasted theatre critic  telling  us about his hallucinatory adventures with some strange creatures in London, of the vampire persuasion  who bring him a new lease on life. A heavy load for a single actor who does not happen to be Brendan Behan, Richard Burton or any one of those alcohol soaked geniuses of the Irish/British stage. John Koensgen tried this at the Cube Gallery a few years ago and did a rather good job with it. Robert Welch still has a long way to go before the character sinks in. On opening night, he was not at ease with the role. Welch still appears to be reciting his lines, moving according to his director’s instructions and is not yet really breathing life into this fascinating creature. He should begin by looking straight at the audience and engaging us directly in his tale.  A show that will probably grow.

St Paul’s Eastern United Church-473 Cumberland