Reviews

Here are some reviews for We Were Brothers

"Almost 100 people braved wind, rain, and in some cases floods, to make it to the opening night of ‘We Were Brothers’ in the Waterside Theatre on Wednesday night – and none were disappointed. The culmination of a year long project to promote reconciliation through an understanding of a shared past, ‘We Were Brothers’ tells the story of the Ulster unionists and Irish nationalists who put aside their politics to fight side by side for survival in the trenches of the First World War.

Catholics and Protestants from Derry – and all over Ireland – joined up in the name of Home Rule or the preservation of the Union, but found themselves going over the top together at the Battle of Messines in 1917. The irony of their situation is admirably exploited by writer Felicity McCall, who alternates between the men in the trenches and their leader, the great Home Ruler Major Willie Redmond, to explore both the historical realities of their situation and the example they have inadvertently set for future generations.

Familiar phrases such as ‘blood sacrifice’ and ‘dying for Ireland’ litter the script, adding layers of meaning which resonate far beyond the First World War. This is a depth which is reinforced by the actors themselves. Shaun Coyle, Ryan Boyd, Peter McDonald and Sean Canning turn in skilled performances as the privates from Derry, Londonderry, and rural Antrim who become brothers-in-arms, with a keen line in local banter which belies – but ultimately reinforces - the seriousness of their situation.

The lightheartedness of much of their dialogue is offset by the poignancy of Major Willie Redmond, brought powerfully to life by veteran actor James Lecky.

An old man now, he fights against the orders of his superior officers to fight and die with the men from all of Ireland as they attack, in the hope that their sacrifice will set an example to those back home. In an extremely powerful scene, he sets up a makeshift altar to pray before the final advance, creating an unforgettable image of a man who has shown courage, faith and determination in the face of overwhelming odds in both Belgium, and back home in Ireland.

At one point, the men in the trenches point out that they are all the same – only some have a green badge on their khaki uniforms, and some orange. Reduced to such a simple image, it seems ridiculous that anyone could fight over so insignificant a difference as a small piece of coloured cloth.

That is the message of ‘We Were Brothers’ – and it is up to us to decide if it has been heard."

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"I thought it was a great performance - I really liked the dialogue between the men in the trenches, and thought it made Willie Redmond all the more moving... I thought he had something of the classic tortured hero about him. So thanks for a really enjoyable evening"

W

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“Wonderful. Wonderful. If you were involved in any way , from whatever background, in the Irish conflict- go and see it. Even if you're not usually a theatre goer- go and see it.

This is a fascinating production that will open your eyes. For me, the highlight among a very high class of actors was the interaction of the four young soldiers in the Trenches (Shaun Coyle, Ryan Boyd, Peter McDonald, Sean Canning)- I would never have believed in the suspension of reality they created- that I could be drawn into the Trenches beside them. They were 'real.' I would single out the wonderful monologue by Shaun Coyle, as Pte Robbie McClean of the 36th Ulsters, when he describes in lyrical and yet very human details his experiences on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The audience was spellbound.

A fine script, evocatively performed. His poignant description of regaining consciousness and, for an instant, thinking he was back 'sunning his limbs on Creggan Hill' was the apex of a performance which will linger long in my mind. I never thought I could be drawn into the actors' world of Messines, 1917, in this way. James Lecky is superb in the lead role of Major Willie Redmond- a convincing, thoughtful performance- and a fine set, sound effects and music with inspired direction combine to bring to life this 'world apart' of the Belgian front that the Major refers to in the play. One not to miss.”

Wayne Ross, Belfast based writer and broadcaster

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"A brilliant production- worth going to see just for the performance by young actor Shaun Coyle as Pte Robbie McClean of the 36th Ulsters. A confident, powerrful performance which commanded the stage and the audience. It is so exciting so see such a performance from a new talent, a young actor whom I have no doubt is going to do so well. Peter McDonbald also creates a fine and thoroughfully crafted, quietly evocative performance as Lance Cpl Michael Cxonroy of the 16th irish...all four young actors playing the soldiers in the Trenches really captured the mood and spirit of the period. Brilliant direction, set, staging, music and sound effects combine to bring Felicity McCall's emotive and acutely observed script to life. It captures the imagination. It gripped the audience from start to finish and, I am convinced, will stay with them long after they have left the theatre."

Eileen Walsh, Arts Critic, freelance journalist and broadcaster, Drive 105 radio

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"Last night's performance of We Were Brothers was as fine a piece of Theatre as I have seen in many a year.

 I have seen O'Casey, Synge,Wilde and Friel plays to name but a few but none of them moved me in a way that Brothers did.

Often in a live performance there can be one weak link that effects the whole piece. This was not the case last night. Everyone of the cast did you proud. The set, the lighting and the sound. The direction and of course the research and script made for a superior piece of historical drama.

We Were Brothers could easily grace the stage of the Abbey Theatre in Dublin."

Writer Liam O'Reilly