Cork Titans clash in ‘by the lake’ Gougane Barra
WHAT do you get when you bring legendary revolutionary Michael Collins face-to-face with famous writer Frank O’ Connor?
Answer: An exciting stage production entitled ‘ The Big Fellow’.
Based on Frank O’Connor’s 1937 biography of Michael Collins, Declan Gorman’s widely acclaimed play, will have its only Cork run for 2016 at the Theatre by the Lake’ in Gougane Barra from July 25th – 30th.
Premiered at the Drogheda Arts Festival on May 1st 2016, the show has enjoyed a successful run at Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin and an initial tour of the East-Midlands region where it was universally greeted with standing ovations and positive reviews.
Actors Gerard Adlum (as O’Connor) and Cillian Ó Gairbhí (as Collins) were singled out for their “outstanding energetic and passionate” performances and their “humour” while the musical score by ex-Waterboys Colin Blakey was acclaimed as “atmospheric”.
Cillian O’Gairbhi as Michael Collins and Gerard Adlum as Frank O’Connor in The Big Fellow.
Described as ‘an edge-of-your seat rollercoaster of a drama’, The Big Fellow is hugely entertaining, laced with comic interludes and the wild adventure of young men at the height of their passion and daring, taking on the mightiest empire on the globe before tragedy and recriminations break out.
Emer O’Kelly in the Sunday Independent described it as ‘A combination of physical energy and historical passion ... totally engaging’ while regional newspapers noted that “a wonderful use of humour is what differentiates Gorman’s drama from other historical narratives,” ( Westmeath Examiner).
The play opens on Monday 25th and runs for six performance only. Seating is limited so early booking is advised on 026 47069 and www.gouganebarrahotel.com