Misterman

The Irish playwriting tradition of presenting the world with the odd and wonderful continues with Misterman. Written by Enda Walsh, the play premiered in 1999 and after several permutations it will be making it’s Australian premiere at the Old Fitz.

Referencing the grand old men of Irish theatre, Misterman is ‘off-the-wall’. Directed by Kate Gaul and starring Thomas Campbell, it’s a one-man show about a small Irish town beset by sin and one man’s Christian attempt to redeem the people of the village.

Campbell, who plays all of the characters, including the evangelist Thomas Magill, also had a short stint on Downton Abbey, where he played a war veteran early in the show. The NIDA graduate is characteristically modest about that role, and focussed on the demands of Misterman. Playing a number of characters, Campbell approached it with Walsh’s stage instructions at the forefront. “It’s highly scripted,” he explains, allowing him to move within the characters and their boundaries, and also working with long-time collaborator Gaul.

Irish theatre has a “very sarcastic twist,” says Campbell. “There’s a sense of humour, which I love, that wants to rile and challenge people.” Misterman is sure to provide. (OA)

June 9 – 27, the Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo. $22 to $32 (Earlybird $20). Tickets & info: http://www.oldfitztheatre.com/misterman/