Lean On Me - Drama

Unique venue in South Kildare- A must visit!

A new play by Irish writer, Lorna Dalton.

"Based on her own personal experiences with immediate family and friends, (the play) deals with the issue of mental health in a refreshingly honest and insightful way.  It tells the story of a weekly support group for people dealing with mental health issues, centring on its five participants and the group’s facilitator.

The characters we are introduced to couldn’t be more different, yet each is realistic and relatable.  More importantly, they show that no one is immune to mental illness.  We are introduced to Breda, Fiachra, John and Rachel as they welcome newcomer Sarah to their ragtag group.  We share in their struggles and successes as they share their stories, their fears and their deepest secrets.

With solid performances from all involved, “Lean On Me” boasts a talented and passionate cast, each perfectly embodying their individual characters and drawing the audience in – you really feel that you are an observer in this support group, rather than an audience member in a theatre (it really doesn’t feel as though anyone involved is acting).  Lynseyann Mulvey’s effortless portrayal of Sarah, a young woman struggling with alcoholism, depression, OCD and an eating disorder – “all the ‘ism’s” as she puts it – couldn’t feel more natural.  Nicole Banim Butler’s heart-breaking performance as Rachel, a mother and housewife suffering with severe depression, brought tears to my eyes (which then proceeded to roll down my face for the final scene).  Shane Fallon plays Fiachra, the gentle poet of the group, coping with alcoholism and depression, while Jim Tighe plays the starkly contrasting John, a man who suffers with anger issues and anxiety attacks – both poignant portrayals of normal, average men trying to piece their lives back together.

The calm and collected Paula, played by Rosemary Keogh, is the glue that holds the group together, drawing on both her personal and professional experience within the psychiatric services.  It was Geraldine McComish , however, who stole the show.  Her portrayal of Breda, a middle aged woman suffering with bi-polar disorder was both heart wrenching and hilarious, providing plenty of laughs along the way. The strength of Dalton’s writing lies in her ability to inject humour to such a serious, emotive subject matter.  I laughed and cried throughout the performance as I related to each of the characters and their very real, very human, every day struggles.

The most refreshing aspect of the play is the way in which it tackles the stigma associated with mental illness.  None of the characters’ illnesses or personal issues are portrayed as weaknesses.  The characters themselves identify that they are not defined by their mental health issues, but rather, despite their struggles, they are the lucky few who are coping with their problems head on.

While Dalton must be commended for the strength of her characters, you cannot ignore the superb work of director, Gerry Herbert.  It is rare for a performance to succeed on so many levels – there are no weaknesses to be found in this production.  It is truly a credit to the talent of writer, director, cast and crew." krank.ie

Tickets are priced €10 and available from the Gem ,Athy Heritage Centre and Winkles.

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