THE SEAFARER

The plot of Conor McPherson’s play The Seafarer is a captivating, intimate and at times unnerving look at what happens when people make deals with the devil and are forced to pay up.
It is in the lounge room of brothers Richard and Sharky around Christmas time that we hear their stories of bad mistakes, lost loves and unrealised dreams. But it is the arrival of the mysterious Mr Lockhart that pushes this story in another direction and saves it from being a rather clichéd piece about the Irish, their self loathing and alcohol.
As director, Maeliosa Stafford handles the script with such finesse it is simply quite stunning to watch. The cast of five men are all as strong as each other turning in performances taken directly from real life. It’s hard to single any one out, but Patrick Dickson as the haunted Sharky is mesmerising and William Zappa as Mr Lockhart delivers a once in a career performance.
Amanda McNamara’s set is so rich with detail and full of history it feels like you are peering though the window of a true Irish house.
The Seafarer is a wonderful piece and one of the best productions to have ever been mounted at The Darlinghurst Theatre. If you miss it, you’ll be disappointed you did.

Until Aug 12, Darlinghurst Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point, $33-38, 8356 9987, darlinghursttheatre.com.au