A play which features real-life characters such as Federico Garcia Lorca, Salvador Dali and Luis Bunuel is in high-risk territory from the start. Obeisance must be made to the popular images of and known facts about such eminent subjects, and caricature is often the consequence. In writing Honey Is Sweeter Than Blood, Rosy Barnes and Louise Drumm have not flown by this net.
We meet the trio as young men in Madrid, on the threshold of the work which will make them individually famous. Some 10 years later their paths cross again; each is now at the height of his achievements. They argue when they meet, with war on the horizon and premonitory vibes.
Of the three, only the character of Lorca, as written and acted, acquires anything of a third dimension. It is a reasonable assumption that he was the author's main focus, and David Kiernan's performance is always watchable. After his off-stage death, the play lingers on much too long, limping to a close without momentum or focus.
The authors also direct, rarely a good idea. More objectivity might have informed them that the occasional use of puppets would, albeit ingenious, be a distraction - but from what?. The play is unbalanced, not really one of ideas, superficial in its study of genius and over-stylised in its presentation. Paul Mahon, Timothy O'Riordan, John O'Reilly and Ciannait Walker act well enough, but simply don't have the material for real conviction.
Runs until July 18th; to book phone 01-6713387
