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The Cripple of Inishmaan, Noel Coward

Martin McDonagh
Directed by Michael Grandage

★★★★

Pros: Visually stunning, unabashedly hilarious, and flawlessly performed by an excellent cast including world-famous Daniel Radcliffe.

Cons: Whether due to direction or flow of the script, some scenes dragged and lacked the same energy as the production overall.

Our Verdict: Another excellent and well-rounded production from Michael Grandage– a must see for theatre lovers and Radcliffe fanatics alike!


Courtesy of Michael Grandage Company
Michael Grandage, Martin McDonagh, Daniel Radcliffe. I didn’t need any more information than the McDonagh, who recently churned out the successful and infinitely quotable films, In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths, offers an occasionally uncomfortably hilarious tale of a crippled teenage boy in 1934 Ireland. Orphaned “Cripple Billy’, portrayed by Radcliffe with sensitivity and gusto, lives his life limping to and from the doctor’s, staring at cows, being fussed over by his adoptive aunts and mocked by townspeople. When word comes that a film crew is visiting a nearby island and may hire some locals to return with them to Hollywood, Billy recognizes his opportunity to leave the endless monotony and pain behind. A darkly humorous portrait of Inishmaan and a thought-provoking comment on how we treat those less fortunate follows.

Grandage’s production features a versatile rotating set constructed from water-beaten stones and never-quite-straight lines. It’s a barren environment, metaphorically complimenting the economic hardships of the community and also Billy’s sense of unfulfilment from his lack of human connection, family ties, and a fully functioning body. The crooked set is awe-inspiring, with its slanted walls, uneven mirrors, and the washed-ashore boat tipped dangerously. It’s a perfect example of the way in which the physical world of a play can so fully and organically reflect the tensions and thematics of the script. Lighting and sound make flawless additions to the rugged landscape– the lighting, particularly in a later scene created the most realistic early-morning sunrise I’ve seen staged.

I admit Radcliffe was a major draw for me– though like I said, it was the creative team on a whole that represented a sort of Holy Grail of theatre genius to me. While I enjoyed the Harry Potter series and Radcliffe’s subsequent film and television appearances enormously, I must say to watch him live was a truly unique and transformative treat. He conquers Billy with compassion, humour, and immense drive. His commitment to the physicality – having chosen to portray Billy with cerebral palsy, as the source of his handicap is vague within the script – is phenomenal and effective. It’s a huge credit to him that within moments of his first appearance on-stage, I was completely unconcerned that I was seeing Harry Potter in the flesh, and rather found myself fully invested in Billy. Radcliffe is supported by an outstanding cast; his fellow young cast-mates Sarah Greene and Conor MacNeill are more delightful to watch than I can possibly say, bringing a light-hearted and vibrant sense of humour. Gillian Hanna and Ingrid Craigie deserve mention for their portrayals of Billy’s deliciously odd aunts.

There’s few complaints to offer, though I did find some scenes lagged while others were rampant with quick-witted remarks and resurfacing jokes. There were moments when I wondered if a segment was necessary at all, or where exactly it was leading. I never found myself fully satisfied in these instances. This could be a stylistic issue with McDonagh’s work, since I’ve had similar feelings about moments in his films. I do wonder if Grandage and his resourceful and talented cast couldn’t have worked out a way to maintain the sense of energy which resonates in most other scenes within these duller moments.

A couple of yawns aside, I can’t recommend Cripple enough – Grandage’s new company has been turning out consistently great work this season, and only continues to do so. Radcliffe and McDonagh are a great pairing, and you’ll be sure to leave the theatre feeling like you’ve really escaped to Inishmaan. I’ll end with a quick recommendation to Radcliffe’s fans: don’t plan to see the show and wait in the Stage Door queue for a signing on the same night; you’ll never make it out soon enough to get a decent place in the mob. Or maybe just enjoy the fact you got to see an admirable young actor work, and go home so he can do the same thing. The guy’s had his arm crunched up for two and a half hours for a role, who wants to sign autographs after that?

Please feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below!

The Cripple of Inishmaan runs at the Noel Coward Theatre until 31 August 2013. Call the box office at 0844 482 5141, or buy tickets online at

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10 comments

  1. Thanks for your insight into the play. I’m fortunate to be going to see Saturday evening’s performance & reading this has definately made my mind up to not attempt waiting at the stage-door afterwards (gotta dash for the tube anyway) – Had a feeling it would be busy (well, it is DR after-all!)Enjoy peeps.

  2. I’m literally gonna take back every thing I just said in my previous comment above – Had one of the best nights of my life – managed get a fairly good spot (with the mob LOL) outside “STAGE DOOR” (and as far as i’m aware, there is only one!) and a certain person signed my programme – THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH….think I shouted to him to do more “DOCTORS NOTEBOOK” (not sure he heard) – and some other girlies in front of me were commenting on his NY Cap. The play itself was very irish – and if you dont get the irish humour well then maybe its not for you – some parts very funny – some I wasnt sure if they were suppost to be or not but DR’s performance was OUTSTANDING as per usual – he plays a cripple person well which at the end makes you want to reach out for a tissue (although I didnt of course!) YEAH.

  3. Just one last thing to add from my experience…There is a sign next to the STAGE DOOR area which reads that autographs will only be signed on merchandise purchased from the play of which one is seeing i.e. programme as i’ve read that peeps are arriving hoping for him to sign a photograph.
    In my experience I found DR to be very professional when faced amongst a
    totting croud to do a signing – chances are if you are fortunate to be within arms reach (like myself) you should hopefully get your programme signed – so good luck 😀

  4. ^ ^ aaaarrrrhhhh got such a buzz from seeing the play – gotta get another freakin fix sooooooo gonna go see it again – got ticks for their last evening performance 😀 Without giving the game away here can’t wait to see Dans scene where hes having an irish sing-song in the mirror on the bed – cld see his face turn bright Red from coughing 😉

  5. Yes DR has to FLAUNT himself to the public eye every night (apart from Sundays phew!) & he’s doing a bloody good job of it 😉

  6. NOTE TO DR/DR’s MANAGEMENT:- ON THE FINAL NIGHTS PERFORMANCE PLS CLD DR COME OUT TO GREET THE CROUD ONE LAST TIME & INSTEAD OF WEARING NO CAP/OR NY CAP COME OUT WEARING “BILLY’s” CAP! That would be a awesome end to a well rated production. Many Thanks 😀

  7. Can I just mention also on here….not that anyone’s particularly interested in reading this….but lets not just give DR all the credit here in this play…Sarah Greene’s (who plays the character of Helen) bossy tones were enough to keep this Irish Play amusing – thoroughly enjoyed watching her performance – they are all talented actors/actress’ 😀

    Also why am I reading from various media related websites that tickets have SOLD OUT? Yes Saturdays performances are filling up fast – but by NO MEANS is the entire production SOLD OUT ALREADY – THAT’S RUBBISH! I ordered from Delfont Mackintosh Theatres Direct (via website & phone) & on both occasions I found their customer service very helpful )))

  8. am I the only person that thinks DRs security bodyguard is fit! LOL ….also think you’ll find peeps that the lady is DRs PA management NOT his Mom (Bless) 😉

  9. OMG this is totally random…i’m so glad i’m going to see the production again (you can buy tickets here http://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/Tickets…call it a sign or some sort of Lucky Omen but i was visiting my local beauty salon this afternoon in Rushden – got chatting to a lady in her 50s waiting – and it turns out apparantly years ago she use to work for the Radcliffe family (this being Dans Grandmother and family) in Ireland! How freaking freaky is that 😉
    How strange life can be sometimes 😀

  10. Just a short note to say ….after watching various you tube clips im feeling a. for Dan in our intense heatwave the uk is experiencing atm (it wont last but July has been HOT so far, shouldnt complain) and b. 100 percent respect and credit to DR for helping fans to take pics of them with himself whilst signing and also reminding people to STOP PUSHING! He is only human for fks sake! So behave yourselves people and then everyone will have a good time 😀

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