Poignancy prevails in new play

Next month, one of Cork city’s most celebrated playwrights Patrick Talbot will bring his new play, ‘Vera&Son’ to Cork audiences.

Coming to the Cork Arts Theatre from 5-15 March, the play is a funny and poignant portrait of a mother and son, telling a story many are sure to identify with in one way or another.

The mother, played by Fionula Linehan, passes away and spends a night back in her old house. When the wake is over and all of the family, friends, and neighbours have dispersed. The son, played by Michael Sands, finds himself alone in the room with the coffin. What does he do? What else can be do? He chats to his mother.

‘Vera&Son’ looks at the unique relationship between a mother and son over a number of decades, set against the Ireland of the 1960s and ‘70s and beyond. The play is a funny and moving portrait of a larger-than-life woman whose resourcefulness and quick humour are utterly integral to the welfare and survival of the family around her.

Fionula Linehan last worked with Patrick Talbot in his production of the Declan Hassett play, ‘Sisters’, while Michael Sands appeared in his production of ‘Wet Paint’ by Shane Casey.

Patrick Talbot is a theatre producer, director, and playwright. His previous titles include ‘God Bless the Child’ (based on stories by Frank O’Connor); ‘A Great Arrangement’; ‘Intimacies and Elephants’ (Based on stories by Raymond Carver); and ‘Two Lord Mayors’ (co-written with James McKeon).

The play is produced by Patrick Talbot Productions, with set design by Jim Queally, lighting by Jamie Fehily, costumes by Jessica Healy, and sound and projection by Cormac O’Connor.

‘Vera&Son’ runs from 5-15 March at Cork Arts Theatre on Carroll's Quay, Cork city, with the exception of Sunday 9 March.