Play Details
Context
Artistic Director
Ian Rickson
Dates Performed
Thursday 17th February 2000
Old Vic Theatre
Play Details
Synopsis
Christmas eve in Ireland
A poignant tale set on Christmas Eve, where Undertaker John reminisces about past funerals, offering wisdom to his young aide, Mark. But when confronted by his own unresolved past and a dying wife, he grapples with the courage to face it.
Cast & Creative
Cast
Brian Cox
Cast
Bronagh Gallagher
Cast
Andrew Scott
Designer
Rae Smith
Lighting
Paule Constable
Sound
Paul Arditti
Music
Stephen Warbeck
What our readers say
What is it like reading this play now? How has it aged? What does it speak to?
It is a timeless exploration of loneliness and human connections, the play resonates amid today’s social isolation. Yet, certain lines are tinged with casual racism, and would need careful direction to reflect character perspectives rather than the production’s stance.
What plays does it speak to/influence?
It made me think of Christmas Carol instantly as an influence it might had, definitely, Caryl Churchill‘s What If If Only, elements of Enda Walsh plays like ‘Same’