BAD DATERS AT PARADISE (NOW CLOSED)

 BAD DATERS AT PARADISE

WRITTEN BY

DEREK MURPHY

DIRECTED BY

COLM SUMMERS

CAST:  KATE Arrington

             SHANE McNaughton

BAD DATERS is a kind of romantic two-handers.

Two good looking individuals who are kind of peculiar and very defensive especially 

Wendy (Kate Arrington) immaculately attired in a very stylish dark brown coat, perfect white blouse and

 fashionable black shoes is a perfect example of a lady who is in control. Not only in control but a

 control freak. The most hilarious thing is that she arrives for the date armed with pepper spray, a loud

 battery operated whistle and hand sanitizer which she uses repeatedly.

On the other hand Liam (Shane McNaughton) is polite, patient, subdued and humbled. Doesn't seem

like a great match but in reality they are both damaged people who hate themselves.

They have both gone through some tragic events recently. Shane's wife committed suicide and left

him a note, " Make an Effort."  Wendy lost her mother in an accident and blames herself for it.

Deep down they are the most lonely people who are in self exile because their fear of closeness

and intimacy. They have gone through a lot already and dating for them seems overwhelming and

a reminder of their psychic pain and psychological complexity.

These characters distrust themselves and are awkward. It seems that there will be no more dates

between them but they pursue under all odds and eventually the grace and beauty they are seeking

 shines within because of the magical writing by Derek Murphy who is also Irish and all the poetry

and lyricism is there to help that magic.

First date is impossible, the second date? Can digest, and the third one is a secret which is quite absorbing and almost thrilling. An exciting and an original new play is delightful.

Reviewed by

BINA SHARIF

MEMBER OF ATCA

Editor/Publisher: artsinternational.blogspot.com

email: binashariff@gmail.com

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