Great show at Abbey — but mind the steps

AFTER a long absence, I’ve just been to the Abbey Theatre in Dublin to see Lennox Robinson’s The Big House — a hugely satisfying, beautifully-written play and a valuable, timely insight into early 20th century Irish political and social history. It is elegantly produced and acted.

While I never had a particular problem with the ‘sightlines’ in the Abbey, the renovated, much steeper seating arrangement makes for a big improvement.

However, the vertiginous steps in the upper auditorium had me conscious of my footing and, mindful of my elders, wondering if there is not a safety issue there?

Also, where my wife and I were sitting (not far from an exit), a discomforting breeze sought us out all evening. As to the world beyond the footlights, why is it that some male actors, when called upon to roar angrily (there being one such in this production) have a ‘lost in strangulation’ effect to their words?

Finally, plaudits to the Abbey on the house-burning scene, which was so realistic we felt like fleeing the theatre.

Oliver McGrane

32 Marley Ave

Rathfarnham

Dublin 16