There are few surprises at all in two accounts of experiences that are not uncommon
The play was written by Niamh Denyer, who also plays Donna. The year is 2016. Abortion is illegal in Ireland and the penalties for breaking the law are harsh. Unexpectedly finding herself pregnant from a one-night stand she seeks the popular solution of taking a day-return flight to London and a visit to the Marie Stopes clinic for a termination. She entrusts her secret to her friend but deciding what to do with her mother raises the whole vexed history of the abortion debate in the Republic and family ties.
In stark contrast, Darren (Sammy Johnson) is overjoyed with his wife’s pregnancy and the prospect of becoming a father for the first time. However, he has his own difficulty to confront. At school he had been infatuated with a boy he once kissed. They went their own ways: the boy declared his sexuality and became a success in the city; Darren remained in the closet, married and became a taxi driver. A chance cab booking reunites them and creates emotional mayhem for Darren.
It’s another taxi ride that brings the two stories together after Donna’s flight lands. Having already heard Darren’s story in full, this comes as no surprise once we know of her plans. Indeed, there are few surprises at all in two accounts of experiences that are not uncommon. Johnson relates his story with some humour and rattles through events and the various emotional responses they elicit in the style that Darren developed in order to fit in with the macho society that surrounds him. Following on, Denyer ups the laughter and energy giving the feeling her performance might turn into a one-woman comedy stand, but she appropriately lowers the tempo and eases off the wit when dealing with the serious matters that Donna has to confront.
The piece finishes neatly and perhaps a little abruptly with a sense of, ‘Is that it?' and ‘So what?’
