Moving, provocative and funny Finding Sophie hits home

REVIEW: JUDY MURPHY

Standing ovations are often given for performances in Galway when, really, a good round of applause would suffice.

But the ovation that occurred on the opening night of Decadent Theatre’s Finding Sophie was utterly deserved – and totally spontaneous.

It’s 13 years since audiences first met the central characters, Larry (Kieran Coppinger) and Sophie (Charlene Kelly) in Sanctuary, which Blue Teapot Theatre Company commissioned from playwright Christian O’Reilly.

In Blue Teapot’s play, the pair were young and in love. But because they both had intellectual disabilities (ID), Irish law prohibited them from progressing their relationship –having sex was definitely illegal.  When they did decided to, it ended in disaster.

In Finding Sophie, Christian revisits their lives. Thirteen years have elapsed and their paths cross again, in different circumstances.

Larry’s parents are dead and he’s temporarily living with his uncle Gerry (Denis Conway) whose main pastime is watching horse racing on the telly, while drinking beer and eating takeaways.

Sophie lives in a home nearby, with her carer, Elaine (Anna Healy), who really does care for her.

Jarlath Tivnan and Tara Finn are first onstage, discreetly positioned to help with set changes and to offer prompts to Kieran and Charlene when needed.

Before the action begins, Tara and Jarlath give a brief synopsis of events 13 years ago and what unfolded when Sophie and Larry attempted to ‘get the ride’ as his uncle Gerry crudely puts it when he’s attempting to discourage any reunion.

Much water has passed under the bridge since then. Sophie is less mobile than before, likening herself to “an old woman”, as Larry insists she isn’t. Their attraction remains strong but life isn’t simple, especially for people with ID, even if the law has changed.

Charlene and Kieran are brilliant at expressing the frustration of being told how to live their lives, based on other people’s perceptions of their limitations; even if those people are acting for the best of reasons.

There’s lots of humour too and they have wonderful comic timing

Christian O’Reilly’s script delves into emotions, without being mawkish or patronising, something that could have happened in the hands of a writer without his understanding and ability. And he asks hard questions of society and its treatment of people with ID.

Andrew Flynn directs with a deft touch, allowing  the play to breathe: to be serious, funny – and uncomfortable at times. But, for this couple who still care so much for each other, dreams can come true.

Sophie’s secret is shared. Larry’s uncle grows as a human being and we see how a carer who cares can make all the difference.

The set and lighting are simple and effective while the use of music – whether it’s old favourites or in the background – adds to the atmosphere.

A moving, provocative, funny and life-affirming night’s theatre.

Pictured: Charlene Kelly and Kieran Coppinger in Finding Sophie.