Irish Repertory Theatre are proud to present a virtual performance of Elaine Murphy’s play, Little Gem. The play, which was first produced for Dublin’s 2008 Fringe Festival, has brought back its 2019 acclaimed cast for this digital delight.

Little Gem tells the story of three generations of North Dublin women: Grandmother and mother Kay played by Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Marsha Mason, her daughter Lorraine played by Brenda Meaney, and granddaughter Amber played by Lauren O’Leary.

In turn, the actresses alternate in breaking the fourth wall and discuss the emotional turmoil that they are experiencing.  When we meet the women, Kay’s husband Gem has just experienced a stroke so she is learning to live with that, Lorraine is in the middle of a emotional breakdown and has been implored by her colleagues to seek therapy, and Amber has just started dating a new guy and is abusing alcohol and cocaine most nights of the week. 

We then continue through these stories where Amber discovers she is pregnant, Lorraine develops a new relationship and finally stands up to ex Ray, and Kay loses her soulmate Gem. 

Costume is cleverly used in Amber’s case as she starts off in tracksuits and by the end is wearing a cosy, warm and white jumper, signifying the softening of her personality. 

Filmed in the actresses’ homes, it is all close camera work, and this really plays to the production’s way of breaking down the fourth wall. So much so, that it feels as if they are looking at you and addressing you directly. 

Of course, it is the actresses who should take a great deal of credit for how this play has been portrayed. Whilst this is not the most dramatic piece, even when Gem dies, the play is understated. It is a thoroughly engaging piece and Mason, Meaney and O’Leary each manage to pitch their characters with the right amount of empathy and wit. 

Their portrayal of these characters is exceptional. You feel at the same time as they do, and it is very special for the whole cast to be so impactful. Everything from their word pacing to tone of voice is spot on for what each character is experiencing. 

At a time when we are apart, this play goes to show the necessity of human contact and just how much these women rely on each other for support even if it is not realised. 

Without an interval, the show may seem a little long at 100 minutes but it constantly captivates your attention, and you want to discover more about what happens to these characters. 

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Emma Littler 

Little Gem will be available at scheduled times until 9 May before being made available on demand. For more information, please click here.