The Beauty Queen of Leenane
by Martin McDonagh
Set in a backwater village in the West of Ireland, The Beauty Queen of Leenane is a brilliant black comedy by award winning Irish playwright Martin McDonagh.
Maureen, a middle-aged spinster, lives with her elderly, manipulative mother Mag. Maureen’s sisters have flown the nest, escaping the drab family home but Maureen, who has a history of mental illness, remains at home, trapped in a dysfunctional relationship with her mother.
The arrival of an invitation sparks hopes of a last-chance romance and offers Maureen the prospect of an escape to a new life. Things might just be looking up for her… But not if the interfering Mag has anything to do with it.
With hope scuppered and long suppressed hatred unleashed Maureen becomes intent on wreaking a terrible revenge, which will bring the play to its horrifying conclusion.
Loaded with savage irony, surreal humour and a touch of melodrama Martin McDonagh’s The Beauty Queen of Leenane looks at the malevolence of people leading hopeless lives.
The violence of The Beauty Queen of Leenane feels like a cross between a Coen brothers film and an "olde" Irish play. Aleks Sierz, In-Yer-Face-Theatre. British Drama Today. London, 2001.
Scintillating and any kid who is lucky enough to see such theatre must surely be turned on to the live stage forever. Stage Noise.
About the Director
Cristabel has worked as a director, actor, teacher and dramaturge with companies including Sydney Theatre Company, Griffin Theatre Company, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, Red Stitch Actor’s Company and NIDA. She holds a BA (Hons) in Performance from UWS and is a graduate of NIDA’s directing course. Cristabel was a founding member of Darlinghurst Theatre Company, was Griffin Theatre Company’s inaugural Affiliate Director in 2009 and has been a member of the B Sharp Artistic Committee since 2008.
WHARF 2
Cost: $21/student
Duration: UPDATED - 2 hours & 15 mins, including interval
Suits: Yrs 10-12
Resources: Comprehensive student and teacher resources provided
Why Book?: An excellent example of contemporary Irish drama.
A funny and dark play which gives an unforgettable night at
the theatre. Listed on HSC Drama syllabus under Irish Drama.
This production contains strong language, sexual references and occasional violence
Reviews
''Scintillating and any kid who is lucky enough to see such theatre must surely be turned on to the live stage forever.'' Stage Noise.
"...a rewarding experience for viewers of any age." The Daily Telegraph
"...a must-see for anyone who loves macabre theatre." The Brag
"This is a great production (kudos to director Cristabel Sved), and a good introduction for this year’s STC Ed program. It’s clever, entertaining, involving and often very difficult to watch, which is all you can ask for a night at the theatre." Concrete Playground
