Two old schoolfriends, a ferry back to Belfast and a conversation that takes a decidedly dark turn. David Ireland’s What the Animals Say is a wickedly funny, provocative black comedy exploring identity, friendship and the divisions of Northern Irish society.
The play follows Jimmy, a struggling actor, and Eddie, a successful footballer and captain of Celtic, who reunite while waiting for a ferry home. What begins as light-hearted banter about football, Father Ted, and their shared upbringing quickly spirals into something far more sinister.
Performed at London’s Finborough Theatre, the setting itself is part of the charm. Tucked away above an Indian restaurant in Earl’s Court, the intimate venue offers a rather unusual theatrical experience. The food downstairs smells fantastic, but of course this isn’t a curry review!
And it’s this intimacy that makes the production so effective. With the audience just metres from the action, every uncomfortable silence, cutting remark and sudden confrontation feels that much more intense.
Matthew Blaney as Jimmy and Robbie Martin as Eddie are excellent, delivering performances that are as funny as they are unsettling. The humour is relentless, often catching the audience off guard, but it’s the constantly shifting balance of power between the two characters that makes the play so compelling. Just as one appears to have gained the upper hand, the dynamic changes again, leaving the audience unsure of who is really in control.
The result is a brilliantly uncomfortable experience, with moments of laugh-out-loud comedy sitting alongside genuine unease. And without giving too much away, the play’s final twist delivers an enormous, satisfying pay-off, making the escalating tension throughout feel entirely worthwhile.
At just 70 minutes, the production runs without an interval, and it is all the better for it. The intensity of the acting, combined with the closeness of the theatre, creates a momentum that would undoubtedly be lost with a break. Instead, the audience is drawn into the increasingly volatile relationship, with little opportunity to catch its breath.
I had the chance to catch up with Robbie Martin after the performance, who shared an interesting detail about the production. This is the first time What the Animals Say has been performed by two Irish actors, rather than Scottish performers. Given that the play’s distinctly Northern Irish humour and cultural references, it’s a fitting first, with both actors bringing a natural rhythm and authenticity to the dialogue.
Directed by Harry Burton, What the Animals Say is proof that a small stage, two talented actors and a sharp script are more than enough to deliver a thoroughly entertaining evening. Funny, uncomfortable, and full of surprises, it’s a production that keeps you guessing right until the end.
Four Stars (Out of Five)
On until 24th October. Book HERE
