The Pillowman, by Martin McDonagh

‘The first duty of a storyteller is to tell a story.’ Or was it, ‘The only duty of a storyteller is to tell a story.’ This is a black comedy full of stories, expertly told with the off-beat humour of Martin McDonagh.

This beautifully written black comedy, widely regarded as one of the greatest plays of the last 25 years, examines the role of the artist in society and asks what price we pay for freedom of expression. The stories and themes within The Pillowman will certainly raise some eyebrows but boundaries will always be challenged in order to achieve progress, notoriety or the truth. Does the state know best? Is the state right to be determining the issue? We are all the result of our experiences and have all had different experiences of the world we inhabit, but does that qualify us to dismiss others creativity and methods? The intrigue and plot twists will keep you guessing throughout. Will you agree with the outcomes or not?

This Play set in a police state and concerns a series of child murders ‘inspired’ by the stories of young author, Katurian. She and her brother, who has learning difficulties, are the chief suspects and are cross-questioned by two hardcore police officers. This forms the bulk of the plot. This production was brilliantly directed and cast by Neil Lovegrove, with Nikki Favell as Katurian, Ben Lewis as her brother Michael, Joff Brown as detective Tupolski, Dave Booker as detective Ariel. Some of the stories were mimed by Laura Westerman as Mother, Charlie Sinclair as Father and Molly Anderson as Child.

Although it is a dark comedy, with many unpleasant stories, disliked by some of the audience, the majority of comments were very positive. “I enjoyed it despite the language and violence within it.” “Brilliantly performed, directed, great set, lighting and sound though didn’t like the play.” “Nikki Favell was superb, outstanding in a almost every respect. The cops weren’t quite extreme enough in their portrayal of good and bad, though as a woman, my heart leap into my mouth when Ariel physically threatened Katurian. Ben Lewis had a particularly difficult role and played it very well – one was never quite sure how ‘damaged’ he really was.”

“Brilliant – in all aspects. Direction, performances, set, lighting and sound! It’s great to see theatre being challenging and not afraid to upset a few people. We’d love to see more plays like this.”

Photography by John Harrison

Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Here are some of the stories from the play beautifully illustrated by Tristan Knowles…