QR Theatre Review: The Whistleblower

Dark and gritty storytelling has been a prominent feature of Irish playwrights and authors for a number of years, from Mcdonagh’s Aran Island’s trilogy to Behan’s The Quare Fellow. On the other hand the War of Independence & Irish Civil War is something which has captured the minds of screenwriters and playwrights as far back as John Ford’s The Informer. Thomas Willis’ The Whistleblower, a new play staged by Queen’s players last week is the triumphant marriage of these two pillars of Irish writing.

The Whistleblower tells the story of O’Leary (Kealan McAllister), Doyle (Thomas Browne) & Maguire (Harry Casey) - three IRA volunteers who find themselves hiding out in a cave after an ambush gone wrong. Their leader, Doyle is injured and Leary is taking Maguire to task for freezing up during the ambush when a whistle rings out in the distance. From here the play spirals down into questions of trust, paranoia and betrayal. The entire 70 minute production takes place in the confines of this small cave and relies heavily on the performances of its small cast.

It is fortunate then that the cast are all around excellent, each have distinct roles and play them to a tee. Browne as the level headed Casey is excellent and his resolute character makes his progression into paranoia and despair all the stronger. An excellent debut for the society president. Casey is similarly strong as the twitchy and cowardly Maguire, he is suspicious while remaining likable enough to keep the audience guessing throughout. McAllister’s O’Leary is the core of the show and carries it effortlessly. O’Leary’s anger with Maguire is what forms the first cracks in the group and it is his worsening mental state which drives most of the plot. McAllister’s perfectly measured performance as man driven to the edge is utterly believable and his descent into madness and fury is perfectly embodied every step of the way, someone to look out for in his next roles. Deirbhile Larkin is also praiseworthy for her small but integral role in some of the play’s most grim scenes, these moments are painted as powerfully realistic by her excellent if brief appearances.

The three performers were given excellent material to work with by Thomas Willis, who has been working on this play on and off for over two years. The script is grimly dark and unrelenting in its dialogue and story and taps into some inherent dark reality which lies at the heart of these dark tales. Willis also effortlessly balances the few key moments of humour in the play, all of them feel genuine and heartfelt without diluting any of the drama of the show. This is further reflected in the simplistic staging which paired with the three strong performances create a fully realized world from little to nothing.

The Whistleblower is an almighty show which marries these pillars of Irish writing in a way very rarely seen. An ambitious show which goes above and beyond expectations in almost every way. A powerful play which is not to be missed if ever staged again.

 sean Hughes

5/5 Stars