This review of Lovers appeared in the Falkirk Herald on the 8th of November 2001, written by Julie Currie.

Tryst Theatre's latest production, Lovers by award-winning Irish playwright Brian Friel, blends humour with an equal measure of tragedy.

During the course of two one-act plays, the audience is taken on a thought-provoking journey through the lives of two very different couples.

In Winners, teenagers Stephanie Zak and Blaine Slater are on the stage for more than an hour in demanding lead roles - portraying two 17-year-olds preparing for a shotgun wedding.

Stephanie steals the show to begin with, lapping up her role as mouthy soon-to-be-mum Maggie who has dreams far beyond her County Tyrone home. But Blaine also gets a chance to shine when his character Joe finally gets a word in edgeways. As Joe goes on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Blaine proves he too is an accomplished young actor - reminiscent of former Eastenders star Sean Maguire.

But with no fluffed lines and convincing Irish accents throughout, both youngsters deserve equal acclaim for their opening night performance. Narrators James Hutchison and Elizabeth Kennedy were also word perfect.

The second drama Losers serves up more of the same. As middle-aged lovers Andy and Hanna, Jim Allan and Carol Clark provide a belly-full of laughs rolling around the stage. But their passion is interrupted by Hanna's mum (Dorothy Tripney) and interfering neighbour Cissy Cassidy (Sarah Gardiner). Excellent performances yet again as lust bites the dust.

Considering the amount of effort put in by cast and crew, it was a crying shame more people didn't brave the rain. The only thing which spoiled opening night was the poor turnout.

Winners Cast

Losers Cast

Production Team