The LOST WARRIOR
by NEIL DUFFIELD

The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster
26 November 2004 until 1 January 2005

Reviewed by Michael Nunn

Sheer Celtic Magic

This is the first Christmas Show I have seen at The Dukes (or indeed anywhere else, for a long time).

I thought it was wonderful.

Why? A simple and fascinating tale based on Irish myth and legend, well told, with stunning scenery and settings, entrancing music well performed and clearly sung - yes, it was all live, including a didgeridoo [in Ireland? - Ed] and a Celtic Harp.

Kieran Cunningham as Angus, Patrick Bridgman as Father, Pam Jolley as Aideen, Christopher Dickins as Oisin in The Lost Warrrior

The narrative moved forward with a sensitive feel for pace which followed the rises and falls of the lyrical tale, and duly echoed the moods of the two main protagonists. The text was generously peppered with well-tempered and topical humour, and there was some very effective puppetry (a stage art almost lost).

There were fine special effects, and a stone pixie who didn't like being thrown into the lake, or kicked around. Who can blame her? The staging, representing a range of locations, was also effective, and imaginatively used. Above all -- and perhaps hardest to define and execute -- the production engendered a heart-warming glow which got warmer as the evening progressed.

The children (and the not so young) in the audience were entranced, as there was hardly the rustle of a crisp packet or chockie wrapper. We sat next to an experienced theatre director from another Northern town, who felt that "There was so much energy and power coming from the production and the story, that the audience was kept spellbound."

He was right. What more can I add?

Copyright © 2 December 2004 Michael Nunn

Pam Jolley as Aideen, Ruth Dawes as Bron