Starlet – Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin

Writer: Alison Spittle

Director: Simon Mulholland

Reviewer: David Keane

In a midlands middle-of-nowhere location Michael and Shannon have a date. If anything, it’s something to do. The cinema, a few drinks, and the customary shift. Both disheartened by the world around them, they can still dream of better things. At least they’re not dogging at the GAA pitch and Michael has his Toyota Starlet, so there’s that to be grateful for.

As comedian Alison Spittle’s debut theatre production Starlet is near perfectly formed and riotously good fun. There are the expected gags and one-liners, well-crafted and impeccably delivered, that accompany a story of people stuck in lives they had never imagined. 

The wholly relatable characters of Michael (Peter McGann) and Shannon (Roxanna Nic Liam) have a wonderful awkwardness between them that leads to much humour and wickedly odd exchanges. Through the conversations that don’t take place and scenarios that are just hinted at, the state of a society down on its uppers is loosely alluded to.

Presented by Blow In Productions Starlet simultaneously explores everything and nothing over 45 minutes of comical entertainment. It is poignant yet hilarious and offers a very happy ending, at least for some. 

Runs until 22 September 2019 | Image: Contributed