The Hunt for Red Willie

Peacock Theatre, Dublin

Love, revenge, deceit and betrayal...it's all here in Ken Bourke's bellyaching comedy. Set in Ireland in 1829, the play opens with the accidental death of a local aristocratic landlord while he chases the infamous, yet mysterious, Red Willie.

A legend among the locals and a faceless rebel to the British soldiers, Red Willie is, in physical terms, quite simply a mask. However, it is a mask with the mysterious power of possessing the man who wears it. The enigma of the mask is sustained throughout the play, although the identity of the wearer becomes known to the audience early on in the story.

The landlord's accidental death is cunningly exploited by the scheming self-motivated Captain le Blanc played by Sean Rocks. Endeavoring to win the heart of the landlord's daughter Bessy McMullen, Le Blanc frames Red Willie for her father's alleged murder. He pledges to avenge the landlord's death and bring Red Willie to justice. All this because he hopes Bessy will recognize his gallant efforts and, in turn, fall madly in love with him. And so the hunt begins.

Le Blanc's right hand man Sergeant Tanner is played by David Pearse who undoubtedly steals the show with a highly entertaining performance credited not only to a witty script but also to Pearse's own brilliance as an actor.

As the play unfolds, and the hunt continues, we are introduced to a variety of characters played by the small cast of five. There are stunning performances by all actors, including Anna Healy, Fionnuala Murphy and Frank Kelly, with each taking on double roles and managing successfully to swiftly interchange between Donegal and English accents.

Director Mark Lambert does well to maintain a gripping urgency throughout the play, supported by a mountain of puns and jokes. Even the constant stream of clichés are made all the funnier because of their obvious self-awareness.

Although the plot is somewhat clichéd and predictable, this is one hilarious piece of theatre. Filled with jokes from start to finish, 'The Hunt For Red Willie' provides first class entertainment. You won't be disappointed.

Caroline Earley

'The Hunt For Red Willie' is at the Peacock Theatre, Dublin until 15 September.