The show that’s got news for you

A fast-moving contemporary tale that promises to have audiences at the edge of their seats is opening tonight in Cork.

Damages, written by Steve Thompson, is set in a tabloid newspaper, with just an hour before the press is to roll.

A photo of a topless children’s television star has mysteriously turned up, but it presents a moral conundrum, exposing lies and a darker secret that must stay hidden. The witty, modern morality tale features power-hungry reporters, despairing sub-editors and razor-sharp lawyers.

Director Killian Collins said: “I am attracted to stories where the audience doesn’t know what will happen next.

“What particularly attracted me to Damages is the rhythm of the language in the script. It has a ‘rat-a-tat’ style that echoes what people would know from writers such as Aaron Sorkin, creator of the West Wing.”

The Colton Theatre Company was established in 2010 by Brian Fenton and Killian Collins with the intention of bringing top-quality theatre to Cork audiences. It previously had sell-out runs with This Lime Tree Bower in 2011, and ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore last year.

“We like to present plays that have balls, that ask the audience to dive in and give it their full attention.”

Damages was first performed at the Bush Theatre in London in 2004.

“The subject matter is very relevant to today’s world, even though it was written almost 10 years ago, as it deals with the cult of celebrity and its relationship with the press.”

The cast includes Michael Sands, Shane Casey, Eoin Hally and Jan O’Sullivan.

* Damages runs at the Cork Arts Theatre from tonight to Saturday, May 4 at 8pm. Tickets are priced at €10.