The Women's Jail Project

D≤chas Centre, Mountjoy Women's Jail

By Belinda McKeon

In 1997, walking in the ruins of a nineteenth century prison ward in Sunbury, Australia, director Karen Martin was struck by the lingering presence of its former inmates: women deemed dangerous, irrational and insane; widows, wives and mothers who were sent there for trivialities and there would die, frenzied and alone. Many of them were Irish immigrants who had escaped the Famine only to face solitary cells, straitjackets and a diet of "shoddy potatoes". Martin wanted to bring their stories home, and the decision to bring them to the D≤chas Centre could not be more apt. A cast largely comprising inmates handles this complex production - a blend of historical narrative, imagination and song - with remarkable poise and sensitivity. Confident and spirited, they convey the plight of these trapped women with a poignancy that is at times deeply affecting. Dramatic lighting and deft choreography successfully exploit the potential of the D≤chas centre, making of its wide spaces an island of dark imaginings.

Runs until tomorrow

20th Century Coward

Cobalt CafΘ

By Christine Madden

Noδl Coward once famously, in song, exhorted Mrs Worthington not to "put her daughter on the stage". Luckily he didn't follow his own advice, nor did the members of Winedark Productions, who hit the boards in the elegant yet cosy Cobalt CafΘ to perform a sampling of some of his wittiest work. Cabaret artists James Barry, Alan-Joey O'Neill and Camille O'Sullivan - joined by piano accompanist Margot Doherty - presented a medley of Coward's songs, scenes from his plays and biographical vignettes. At first, the performers (apart from Barry) appeared a bit tentative and self-conscious on their opening night. But by the time they reached the sly finish to part one, each taking turns being Mad About the Boy, all three had hit their stride. Despite occasional musical shortfalls, their clever sketches embellished with song and dance charmed an audience of enthusiastic Coward fans.

Runs until tomorrow

Andrew Maxwell and Friends

HQ

By Jemimah Bailey

Andrew Maxwell overcame great obstacles to perform his stand-up routine. After Ian Coppinger does an admirable job in the tricky warm-up slot (the lonely hearts from Ireland's Own are particularly entertaining), Maxwell arrives on stage and informs the audience that he has gastro-enteritis. Then, with his trademark nervous giggle, he confesses that half his family is in the audience. Presumably this is a novelty for the Irish comedian, who is based in London. Next he starts talking about "the war". "This is really a text-book on 'how not to start a gig' . . ." Maxwell admits. In fact he is a confident performer, and his stories are irreverent and original. He thrives on his interaction with the audience, enjoying the ad-lib opportunities thrown up by a heckler. Even the bizarre behaviour of one man caught filming fails to throw him, and the ensuing 30 minutes of unrehearsed gig is very funny, and totally bizarre. Maxwell is impressive - see him next time he's in Dublin.