A true, beautiful Irish love story, originally written as a short story for Radio 4, was the basis for ‘I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls’, brought to the Marine Theatre last week by Berkshire company, The Watermill.  

The play, written by Ade Morris, after the story by Bryan Gallagher, tells of “mad” Madelyn Ingram, her brother Liam, and local police constable George Park.  After Madelyn’s death George and Daniel (who knew Madelyn in later life) are the only two mourners at her wake.   In a very cleverly written series of flashbacks, the story is told of Georges love for Madelyn and her agreement to marry him before he moves away.  Liam never posted the letter.   It’s a tragic tale of love, fate, and small town mentality set in a dilapidated Irish smallholding.

Katerina Olsson was superb as the feisty young Madelyn and the embittered old woman.   Shaun Hennessey changed effortlessly from the young police constable to the elderly mourner, and Justin McCarron more than doubled as the selfish Liam and young Daniel who visited the farm for buttermilk for his mother, and the older Daniel, the mourner.     The old song ‘I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls’   was poignantly woven throughout the play.

‘I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls’ visited Lyme as part of a national tour, and a large and very appreciative audience enjoyed this fine production.

Next drama performance is on Wednesday May 31st when Ibsen’s famous play ‘Hedda Gabler’ will be performed by Cygnet.

Monika Henshaw 

15/05/06