Book & Lyrics: Xnthony
Music & Lyrics: Matthew Floyd Jones
Directed By: Sarah Meadows
Lourdes: The Musical! is a new musical with book and lyrics written by Xnthony, who has recently been making waves on the Irish musical theatre scene with his creation of irreverent and energetic new work.
After his successful production of Oliver Cromwell Is Really Very Sorry, Xnthony with Matthew Floyd James gives us Lourdes: The Musical! It follows actor Matthew (Riain Cash) who on the day he’s meant to get his big break and fly off to LA, gets told he’s HIV positive and so “not able to handle it”. To process this double whammy, he returns to the suspiciously familiar “Countryland”. As a side effect to his medication, Matthew hallucinates seeing the Virgin Mary so his mother (Nichola MacEvilly) encourages him to go see the Priest (Lestyn Arwel), who also happens to be the director of the local community theatre group. Matthew is then taken on a pilgrimage that opens his eyes to a world far beyond fame.
Exposed is the first word that comes to mind as one enters the Civic Theatre auditorium to see the completely unmasked stage with only pockets of side stage to hide in. A truss cuboid frame stands in the centre of an elevated stage with steps and ramps leading up to it. It’s bare, industrial and grunge, almost as if designed for a concert performance of Jesus Christ Superstar. While a striking centre piece, the frame didn’t seem to hold much other purpose except framing the, phenomenal, videos screened upstage. It’s concerning to see such a vast space, while appropriate for a musical, for a cast of five, could do more bad than good.
But with the stellar cast of Cash, MacEvilly and Arwel alongside Molly Lynch and Danielle James, this ensemble set the bar high right from the start and never let it drop. Danielle James plays Tracey, a self-made party woman and daughter to Danica (MacEvilly), a witty woman undergoing treatment for cancer. Molly Lynch’s core character, of the many, was Martha, the “Swiss army knife” member of the drama group and Lourde’s trip coordinator. The vocal talent and juggling of many hats makes this cast a sight for the eyes and ears. The ensemble support, presence and passion radiates off the stage. Credit to Xnthony for writing very well rounded characters who each get a moment to bare themselves and state their cause.
Further praise must be given to video and lighting design. From the opening sequence Joshua Gadsby’s dynamic lighting design is evident with the use of soft spotlights and shadows taking
us from one interaction to the next. To guide the change of location and elevate the dramatics, Niall McKeever’s video design is absurd, genius and electrifying!
“Club is Church” is a stand out tag of Lourdes. From first glance, it’s a fun and camp reference to the musical’s religious references and club aesthetic. But upon reflection proves to be of much deeper meaning than that. Club is church the way theatre is a communal and ceremonial experience where people from all walks of life gather and witness simultaneously. It proves power in numbers and strength of faith not solely religious but emotional and persevering.
Lourdes: The Musical! has a lot to say, from the treatment of artists, to the life altering side effects of medication, to questions on faith and how some but not all can be cured. However, there was a lack of polish and air of absence within the production. Be it an anthem, restructure, stage masking … While it’s important to show background and the foundation of leading characters, the second half of the performance of our trip to Lourdes seemed rushed or half lived, like spectators weren’t able to fully sink their teeth into the endeavour. The bare open stage, while effective, missed the mark on its true potential. With a message so strong and intimate, a space to reflect this would work well and while it’s refreshing to see the backstage team visibly given the acknowledgement and credit they deserve, highlighting the theme of community, a more committed performative involvement could’ve been more beneficial. (Also a total missed opportunity not having the wildly impressive three person band more involved!)
All in all, for a musical about miracles, it took a miraculous team to make it happen. It seems we’re looking at the future of contemporary Irish musical theatre, and it won’t disappoint.
Runs Until 10th Oct 2026.
