Charlie & Me

Last Thursday, I made a rare trip across the Liffey with some friends to see a play at the Viking Theatre in Clontarf. The theatre opened two years ago above Connolly’s pub, better known as the Sheds, a popular and longstanding watering hole.
The play, Charlie and Me is based on an adaptation of the book by author Catherine Barry. A published poet and novelist, Barry has previously written fiction: Skin Deep (2004), Null and Void (2002) and The House That Jack Built (2001). Charlie and Me, her first work of non-fiction is based on the author’s own life experiences.
Cathy, a married mother of two, finds herself attending Alcoholics Anonymous, where she meets a man called Charlie, who later becomes her sponsor. The relationship that develops between them takes us on a journey that is both harrowing and humorous in equal measure. This powerful and well written play never fails to engage the audience, as we journey into the world of alcoholism and the pain and suffering it can inflict on family life. But above all else, it’s a tale of hope.
Actors Maeve Fitzgerald and Steve Blount, who played Cathy and Charlie, are without question, two fine actors and brought great passion, sensitivity and humour to their respective rolls.
This production was directed by Peter Sheridan and produced by Donal Shiels. The run at the Viking Theatre, which played to full houses, finished its run last Saturday. If you ever get a chance see this play in the future – Don’t miss it.