You Should Be Dancing

Susan and Darren which opened in the Watergate Theatre last night is one of the best nights out you could have all year. It’s a wonderful show but be warned, it’s most definitely not for everyone. And by everyone I mean anyone who doesn’t like to have the spotlight shone on them. That being said, I suggest that everyone go see it because it’s an experience unlike anything else you’ll get at this year’s Kilkenny Arts Festival. They succeed in making the large Watergate Theatre extremely intimate, they get close to the audience as much as they get close to each other and the pre-show workshop ensures that there’s going to be more than a few audience members getting involved in the show (I won’t spoil it but it’s really amazing). The level of audience participation is extremely high and in line with other theatre and dance productions at this year’s festival, the performers expect you to give just as much as they give themselves.

In this case, they give a lot. Susan and Darren Pritchard are a mother and son who invite us into their lives and we watch as they prepare for one of their famous parties. Their real life relationship is on show for all to see and they are extremely generous hosts for the entire 90 minute show. They bicker, they chat, they answer questions and most of all, they dance. Suffice to say, this is another theatrical recommendation from me, it really is fantastic. And the party at the end is nearly worth the price of admission alone. The entire experience was definitely the most fun I’ve seen audience members have at a show at this year’s festival (although the Kilkenny County Sessions is running a close second) and if it’s a good night out you want, Susan and Darren is the one for you. Also, bring your mam because I think she’d love it.

Check out above the interview Ken did with Susan and Darren before yesterday’s show.

 - John

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