Writer: Benjamin Reilly
Director: Lee Coffey
In 1960s Ireland, teenage best friends Colm and Peggy are planning a protest to get a day off school in honour of the recently assassinated US president John F Kennedy. In their small town of Cundannon, differences are gossip fodder and Colm and Peggy are both different in different ways. Colm is ‘away with the fairies’ and hopelessly infatuated with Martin, the son of the local doctor. Peggy is smart and curious, she searches for information not readily presented to her and dreams of leaving Cundanon and studying in Paris, London or anywhere else. Through monologue, flashback and some creative character switching, Colm and Peggy pull us fully into their world, from school, to mass to the sin dunes.
When the audience enters, Peggy (Isolde Fenton) and Colm (Benjamin Reilly) are already on stage. Sitting perfectly still in their respective areas of the stage. At this performance, this was roughly a 10 minute period. Although very impressive, it starts to become uncomfortable relatively quickly, particularly if you’re in the eye line of one of the actors. The show begins with a discussion about JFK’s visit to New Ross in 1963 and his assassination mere months later. The show is effortlessly humorous, finding humour in everyday interactions and the contradictions between the two best friends. Throughout the show switches seamlessly between humour and poignancy.
Reilly and Fenton are dynamic together. Perfectly timed and effortlessly comfortable. They give the impression that they have known each other forever. Their separate performances are both very impressive. They switch from monologue to dialogue and between characters so cleanly throughout. Together they are a stunning double act.
The staging of the show is simple. Some natural elements from outside and items such as a writing slate and a glove are precisely placed throughout. Costuming is likewise relatively simple but very effective for showing both the era we are in and the distinct personalities of our two main characters.
Mortal Sin is an impressive piece of Irish theatre with heart and humour abounding.
Runs Until 31st Jan 2026.
