Call Yourself an Irishman at Brockley Jack Studio Theatre Review
Written by Penny for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
This one man show, written and performed by Declan Duffy, looks at the dilemma of being born in England to Irish parents – what does that make you? English? Irish? Something in between or neither? These close neighbours across the Irish sea have something of a difficult history, so Duffy has set out to make sense of it all, set against his personal story.
The stage is set with a bar to the side that’s decorated with shirts branded for Irish sports teams, there’s a harp sitting on the counter and images projected on the back wall show us popular Irish legends, from Terry Wogan to Father Ted. Duffy enters in the requisite green top, playing guitar and singing “Maybe It’s Because I’m an Irish Londoner” (a 2007 release from London-based Celtic rock band The BibleCode Sundays).
What follows is a potted history of Ireland and discussion around the propensity of its people to migrate, talking specifically about the experiences of first generation Irish who have moved to England. Born in London, Duffy tells us that his parents didn’t give him his sense of Irishness, it’s something that grew as he played football, went to church (with all its associated social activities) and, of course, went to the pub with what is a tight-knit London-Irish community.
As we get underway, Duffy’s delivery comes across more like a lecture than a performance. It feels a bit nervous and the history lesson doesn’t grab attention. A trademark battle between Guiness and the Irish state was an interesting comment on commercial vs patriotic loyalties, but was so rushed it felt almost glossed over. Duffy talks a lot about trying to define his identity, something that recurs throughout the piece and is rather repetitive. Whilst his speech is a little hesitant and can be a bit underwhelming, when he breaks up the dialogue to sing an Irish song, he has a gentle but clear tone and it’s obvious that he’s singing from his Irish heart.
The energy lifts when Duffy delivers a poetic monologue about the loneliness of the Irishman newly arrived in London. He talks about the prejudice experienced by Irish migrants in the 70s and 80s – with attitudes a throwback to the racism of the 50s, “No dogs, no Blacks, no Irish”. They’re the butt of racist jokes and suspected as terrorists. It’s something that definitely lands with an audience with more than a little Irish heritage between us.
The entertainment really gets into its stride as he recreates a raucous St Patrick’s Day party in his parents’ pub, Duffy on the DJ decks trying to find enough appropriate Irish music to keep the regulars (who have been drinking all day) happy – Oasis and The Beatles are Irish, right? And his take-down of a “Plastic Paddy” who has changed his name from Patrick to “Pauric” to appear more authentic. There’s some real self-awareness when Duffy acknowledges he could be guilty of this himself.
Running at around 80 minutes, the performance feels a little too long. It’s definitely written and delivered with an Irish audience in mind – whether first or third generation – and I wonder how well it would resonate with a wider audience. But there is plenty to enjoy in Duffy’s story, and with some more confident storytelling and tightening of the script, there’s a gem of a show for anybody who has a connection with the Emerald Isle.
Call Yourself an Irishman is on at the Jack Studio Theatre until Saturday 31st January. The run has sold out but you can check for returns here.
★★★