Junkies take to the stage.-
UCC Dramat opened the season with Irvine Welsh’s hard-hitting play “Trainspotting” directed by Jody Quirke with Katie O’ Farrell as assistant director. This harsh worded, scantly clad out look of a suburbia hell brought to the fore by the flick of a heroin syringe is close to the bone for any audience. Quirke and O’ Farrell directed with unabashed liberties taken from the script and made the brave decision not to hold back with regard to content. “Leave your inhibitions at the door” was the advice in the director’s notes.
There must not have been many inhibitions in Cork City this week as the show’s entire run sold out. The success of the show is down to clear concise directing, a familiar and well liked story and a strong cast. With waiting lists attached to every night the show was, in the best sense of the word, a sell out.
Lighting and sound complimented the script and derelict train station set well. The cold truth of a blue light reflecting off the faces of the hopeless brought the cruelty of the characters world to the audience’s attention. The soundtrack was fitting with a nineties appreciation that had feet tapping at the end of scene.
Aron Hegarthy was leading man playing Mark. This was Hegarthy’s first Dramat show. He played the character with awash of humour, spot on Scottish accent and also gained the sympathy and empathy of the audience. He was clearly a perfect choice to lead this play. His supporting cast was flawless in their hard-hitting truthful monologues that were sporadic throughout the two hours run. This is hopefully not the last we will hear from this highly commendable and strong ensemble.

Ciara Guiry