“The Curious Savage” At Bundoran

“This is a play I have been looking forward to since I came here”, said Mr. G. Golden, adjudicating Sligo Drama Circle’s presentation of John Patrick’s “The Curious Savage” on Wednesday night at Bundoran Drama Festival. “I heard a little whisper of the merits of this show”, said Mr. Golden, “and I was somewhat sceptical because I thought it must have some demerits. I found it was a good play and made to look better by this very able, hard-working and talented cast whose fine acting justified the choice of the producers. Presentation, effects, lighting, costuming and setting made it a very good production. It had very good pace, while the grouping and interpretation were excellent. Perhaps make-up should have been a little more subtle.

“The play had a lot of humour and unfortunately it ruined what would have been an otherwise perfect production. The acting was of a very high standard throughout. Lottie Bourke’s “Ethel” was a beautifully sustained performance. Gerry Boyle’s “Fairy May” had vitality and she gave an excellent portrayal of the part. I liked the effusive wheeze of Paddy Dooney’s “Titus” and he carried the false dignity very well. It was a pleasure to watch him working. I liked the false self-respect of Marie Mulvihill’s “Lily Belle”, while Ruth Crampton as “Mrs. Paddy” was beautifully correct throughout. Eddie Fitzpatrick as Dr. Emmett gave a quite commanding performance”.

Concluding, Mr. Golden said, “I could keep on but it was all round an excellent production, and I feel I will have a lot more to say on Sunday night next when I will be recapping”. Others taking part were Ann Bourke, Brian Bohan, Vivian Francis, Liam Mc Kinney and Monica Toher. Producers were Eric Gregan and Una Lappin.

from The Sligo Champion, March 23rd, 1963