THISISPOPBABY’s WAKE is a vibrant celebration of life, framed through the spirit of an Irish wake.
Audiences might wonder what makes a wake Irish?; this production answers with a farewell that is tender yet spirited. Featuring a uniquely diverse and highly skilled cast, WAKE is a joyous night out, overflowing with awe, wonder and vitality.
WAKE features a variety of unique acts, weaving together slam poetry, dance and aerials, all backed by a live band. From the moment the audience arrives, the lively music builds a vibrant atmosphere. The band (Alma Kelliher, Adam Matthew, Darren Roche, Lucia Mac Partlin, Ryan McLelland) add an outstanding warmth and cohesion to all of the acts, elevating acts whether it’s a dramatic and emotional aerial hoop (Jenny Tufts) or the controlled dynamicism of breakdance (Cristian Emmanuel Dirocie). Every act is unique, polished and distinct, breaking free from the formulaic predictions of variety shows, making the show deeply memorable. The show was well paced, with heavy, emotional elements well balanced with light, comedic pieces. The production’s only shortcoming lies in the inconsistent quality of transitions between pieces. There are particularly striking scene changes – for example, a vast black cloth envelopes the stage to then unveil the performer – but other times, transitions relied on a sudden fade to black, briefly disrupting the show’s immersive flow.
The audience surrounds the central, in-the-round stage on three sides, with the musicians set on a tiered secondary platform on the fourth side and creates an intimate atmosphere. The show makes excellent use of Niall Sweeney’s set, complemented by Mark Galione’s dynamic lighting design. At times, due to the stage configuration, it can be difficult to know what to focus on or see the full breadth of the stage, particularly from the side seats, but this minor disorientation hardly diminishes the overall impact of the performance.
The cast of WAKE is absolutely stellar. Every performer had moments to shine, while contributing to a cohesive ensemble. Across the production, the acts were entertaining while pushing forward the thematic arc of the show. A highlight is Duncan Disorderly (Emer Dineen), a refreshingly hilarious and recurring drag character. It’s rare to see drag king performances and Dineen delights the audience with chaotic, slightly cringey confidence in every interaction. Pole artist Lisette Krol is another standout in a very strong cast. Her awe-inspiring strength, musicality and gracefulness leaves the audience stunned, particularly in her sensual, slinky solo. Expectedly, Irish dancing (Phillip Connaughton, Jade O’Connor, Marisha Ruth, Michael Robertson) makes several appearances; each time reinvented, comedic and thoroughly entertaining. Intertwining the acts is the High Priestess of Poetry, FELISPEAKS, offering insights and moments of reflection punctuated with sharp comedic tidbits. The inclusion of slam poetry grounds WAKE, anchoring its celebration of life.
WAKE blends spectacle and sincerity to create a uniquely vibrant show, transcending the boundaries of any culture. This production feels celebratory and heartfelt, true to an Irish wake’s message of collective transformation. WAKE is a generous, exhilarating work that invites audiences to reflect and celebrate life together.
