Irish playwright J M Synge memorably stated that he aimed to give his characters, ordinary country folk, language that was “as fully flavoured as a nut or an apple”. Mikel Murfi, writer, director and performer of this delightful one-man show, has taken Synge’s ambition amply to heart. Utilising a vivid, uniquely Irish gift for storytelling, Murfi magics up wonders from a bare stage, with just his words to help him.
Ironically words are one thing that Pat Farnon can’t enjoy, at least not out loud. He is, he informs us, a mute and the narrative he shares is playing only in his head. But what an abundantly well-stocked head it turns out to be, full of lively phrases such as “I’m as happy as a trout”, as Pat the cobbler makes his way into town, breaking in a pair of a female client’s shoes as he goes, on an average day that turns out to be particularly memorable.
There are playful echoes of Beckett’s All That Fall in the long walk and eccentric characters Pat encounters en route. Murfi embodies them all, including the formidable Kitsy Rainey, manager of the local Gaelic football team, with distinction. He’s blessed with an intensely vivacious face, capped by cherishably mobile eyebrows.
A modern classic in the making, I’d say.
Until April 23, Tricycle Theatre NW6 (020 7328 1000, tricycle.co.uk)
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