●●●○○
Old habits die hard. The Abbey Theatre has run She Stoops to Conquer countless times — some would say too many. While the comedy plays it safe on many levels — there’s nothing to offend in the performance, aside from the three-hour run time — the play remains surprisingly funny.
Marty Rea and Rory Nolan play Marlow and Hastings, two upper-class gentlemen looking for women’s hearts to break. However, Marlow’s inability to talk to upper-class women proves problematic, and cleverly satirises the proper British gentleman by playing him as incredibly awkward, despite his bravado.
Goldsmith’s comedy makes use of the audience, a strategy which is followed to a T by the actors. At best, it engages a viewer that otherwise would struggle with the play’s length, something that is rare enough in 2015. At worst, it’s mere steps away from nudge-wink pantomime. While it’s endearing to begin with, it feels tedious by the play’s ending. At times, too, She Stoops to Conquer is downright bizarre. The half-dozen sub-plots confuse more than entertain. Small faults, yes, but over the lengthy performance they become more grating.
None of this, however, is the fault of the cast. Boasting plenty of big names — Caroline “Off The Rails” Morahan and Jon “Not Pat Shortt” Kenny to name but two — the comic timing of this ensemble is impeccable. Rea’s performance as the Englishman Marlow is one of the standouts. He is by turns bumbling, kow-towing, arrogant and charming. Nolan pales beside Rea, unfortunately, and his side-plot falls a bit flat. Kenny’s role as “innkeeper” Mr. Hardcastle is at times a touch too shouty, but it’s a forgivable flaw.
The set, a gorgeous 18th-century mansion, is used and abused as characters sing, dance, love, and fight in all its nooks and crannies. Liam Doona’s design is commendable, and looks superb from every angle, as do the colourful, dramatic costumes. She Stoops to Conquer is light and fluffy, a definite post-essay treat.
She Stoops to Conquer runs at The Abbey until January 31.
