Before The Hudson and The Liffey
Reviews
Richard Durden, All Edinburgh Theatre
a compelling and vibrant tribute to James Connolly… Mackinnnon’s evocative voice summoning melodies of the period backed by Aidan O’Rourke on fiddle and pianist Brian McAlpine…In director Ben Harrison’s production, the transition from song to acted segments from The Non-Stop Connolly Show by Margaretta D’Arcy and John Arden is seamless. Actors Kevin Lennon and Helen Mackay enter Connolly’s private world and offer one particularly tender scene with his wife Lillie that underpins the production.
Bill Dunlop, Edinburghguide.com
Introduced with aplomb and authority by Terry Brotherstone, who gave an appropriately erudite introduction to Connolly’s early life in Edinburgh… Kevin Lennon and Helen Mackay both gave measured, thoughtful interpretations from the written sources, Maeve Mackinnon likewise of the selection from the lyrics written by Connolly on various, mainly political, topics, ably accompanied by Brian McAlpine on piano and Aidan O’Rourke on fiddle. This unique production…Edinburgh itself has been reluctant to acknowledge its part in his upbringing and formative experiences. Before the Hudson and the Liffey goes some way toward redressing this.