An Englishman, an Irishman and an American are sitting in a room, but this is no joke. They are chained to the floor and can’t be sure if it’s day or night. Unseen men guard them, and they have no idea when - or even if - they will be released.
Frank McGuinness’s 1992 play is set in Lebanon, but it is not a discussion of Middle Eastern politics that dominates it. Rather, the men talk about their respective cultures, each trying to understand what (if anything) their nationalities mean.
The three captives also tell stories and play make-believe to help pass the time. This is both uplifting and heart-wrenching, particularly when they imagine a journey home.
The three actors in this show by New Celts Productions are remarkably focused and never lose their audience’s attention. Together, they tell their story of human suffering that is also a tale of endurance, bonding and ultimately a stark and honest portrayal of friendship. All three deliver fine performances and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the subject matter, but it is Christopher Cubitt (in the role of Edward) who stands out with a finely tuned balance of gab and heart.
Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me is a well-written play and it is superbly presented here. This is no small feat, given that the script allows no scene changes and has very little plotting. These restrictions pose a challenge, which New Celts overcome with their convincing acting and sustained focus.