Longford has rapturous reception for ‘The Snapper’

Longford audiences were unanimous in their approval as Backstage Theatre Group completed its four night run of 'The Snapper' at Backstage Theatre on Saturday night.
The weight of expectation for the group's 2024 Spring production was high as tickets sold out months before the first performances.
The Longford town based group delivered in spades with a rapturous response to the heart-warming observation on family life and pregnancy in Northside Dublin in the 1980s. This is a warm, frank and wickedly funny production of a modern (ish) Irish classic.
The second novel in Roddy Doyle’s Barrytown Trilogy is a slice of time capturing our urban capital on the precipice of fundamental changes.

Doyle has a knack at presenting characters with real emotional depth, giving actors a perfect platform to show off their craft. The earthy language and real life themes of the play guarantees a universal appeal.
The Snapper is the story of Sharon Rabbitte, Niamh Hanley, a 20 year old living with her parents who becomes pregnant after an encounter with a man she’d rather forget. Hanley's characterisation of Sharon is nothing short of perfect.
She mines every ounce of emotion, from anxiety to hilarity. The play hinges on Sharon's bond with her close associates, and in the Backstage production this is exemplary.

From Phil Cox's Jimmy Rabbitt, to Christine O’Brien's Veronica Rabbitte, and best friend Jackie O’Keefe played by Janice Gibney, the central character creates a very authentic intimacy allowing the audience to peek into a real life. The strength of performance by all the principals was impressive.
This show was packed with great acting; in his turn as George Burgess, Ger Rafferty shines, osculating from bumbling to despicable to delusional with ease. Georgie's long suffering wife Doris Burgess (Eileen Murphy) doubles up as the wronged and the wronging, evoking a wonderful reaction from all who attended.
Linda (Robyn McNabola), Tracy (Grace Hourican) and Darren Rabbitt (Mark Wijas) round out the family, adding to the audience's feeling of being part of a family.

Georgie isn't the only antagonist in the play. Yvonne Burgess (Sarah O’Keeffe), Mary Curran (Dee Monahan) and Young Boy (Mikey Mollaghan) also give the viewers a focal point for their ire.
The cast is completed by Michele Ciba (Radiologist), Amy Oates (Midwife) and Tom Lyons (Barman).
Topping off the strong stage performance is the manner The Snapper is presented. The play romps along at a cracking pace. The scene changes are instantaneou; set design and sound and lighting plans confirming the show's professional standard thanks to Ainé Brady, Daire Ó'Muirí, and Sam McGarry.

The input of director Charlie McGuinness cannot be understated. McGuinness has again assisted Backstage Theatre Group to deliver a real audience pleasing production.
The group will take the production to Carrigallen this Friday and Saturday to complete the run.