Moat Theatre Review: From hilarity to hell, in 15 minutes - both one act plays were flawless, one fun, the other frighteningly menacing

Skullduggery written by Moat Club member, Gerard O’Shea and directed by Lianne O'Shea, presented an OTT dramatisation of two hardy Dubs, Rolo and Zoo, neither too brain challenged, who head to Ennis, to deliver a 'nefarious delivery'. Not dissimilar to the style of Young Offenders or Derry Girls, actors Aidan Cooney and Aaron O'Connor threw themselves into the role of the daft Jackeens, whose mission in life seemed to revolve around "rockin', ridin', drinkin' and getting high".

Work, ambition or a path for life wasn't in their vernacular, it was literally the next pint, the next smoke or joint, culminating in a 'shift'.

With a stop-off near Blackchurch, then into the Silken Thomas, then Portlaoise and Limerick before finally reaching Ennis, it was highly entertaining; at times, the pair seemed almost innocent in their ignorance and lack of any social graces. Like all good yarns, it took a dark, sad twist and the appealing goofiness of the pair was shattered.

There were some hilarious exchanges between the two on stage, and when they delved into 30 second shots of female characters, I giggled as if I was at my first pantomime in the Gaiety!

The menacing background music - and it did seem menacing, of Middle Eastern origin and some excellent stage props signalled the start of 'Nine', a play of a completely different nature, also dealing with the complex relationship of two women, in this case, captives in the most heinous circumstances, played by Libby Trappe and Amanda Ryan . Again, we have no idea of where and by whom the women are being held. But suffice to say, the dramatic music, with the sinister presence of two crucifixes in the background made me think of Brian Keenan and John McCarthy during their incarceration.

There was no blood on stage, and save for a dispute between the two women on stage, no visible violence.

But this production turned me cold (literally); the threat of violence was ever present - and when the clever 'thump' of a panicked heartbeat mixed with the introduction of the menacing music and snaking smoke, I honestly believed the temperature in the Moat was deliberately turned down to make us experience 'cold fear'.

Dan Horan swears not - well, the props worked, we were all terrified for the women and could only wish they would be passed over by the invisible but ever present captors.

I doubt there was a single person in the audience who could say they 'liked' this play, it was powerful, shocking and hell to watch.

The love-hate balance of power between the two women was brilliantly presented by Trappe and Ryan, the dialogue clever and cruel.  Directed by Conor O’Connell, a former recipient of an All-Ireland Drama Best Actor, this was his first time in the role of director.

It was a horrible play but flawlessly produced and not for the feint-hearted. 10/10 for delivering a hellish production.....

So, that's a 100% recommendation from this journalist - albeit if you're a sensitive soul, you'd be better off skipping Nine, it is seriously terrifying, chillingly so...