As we enter the auditorium, I am taken aback by the simple yet powerful set already on the stage. A large, diffused mirror fills the back of the stage, and three islands are set around the edges. The areas hint at the three characters stories we are about to hear. The floor is textured and mimics the harsh landscapes where the play is set. The play begins and the lights illuminate the mirror, we see that the textured floor is in fact a map, showing the locations where the trio travel.
Faith Healer was first performed in 1979 and yet remains as gripping as ever. It is unusual in the context of modern theatre as it centres on only three characters, Frank Hardy (the Faith Healer,) his wife Grace, and their tour manager Teddy. The characters describe their time travelling to different villages in Wales, Scotland and finally Ireland for Frank to use his ‘gift’ to cure the sick and the lame.
The characters do not interact with each other, and instead the play takes shape in the form of four monologues. This allows for some very intensive storytelling; we find ourselves hanging on each character’s every word. We quickly realise that each character has a different version of the events that took place, and we are encouraged to question what we are hearing. The script raises many questions about the reliability of the narrators and how the truth can be moulded and changed depending on who you are hearing it from.
The first monologue comes from Frank Hardy (Paul Carroll) His vigorous opening monologue has us feeling sympathy for the man blessed or cursed with the power to cure the sick. He describes his gift as fleeting, and we feel his suffering when he is unable to perform. Paul Carroll plays Frank with an intensity and passion that has us on side immediately. As the monologue progresses, he questions himself and is tortured by the notion that his gift may simply be an illusion.
In the second monologue we meet Grace Hardy, Frank’s long-suffering wife (Gina Costigan) It is through her impassioned testimony that we learn that Frank Hardy is not the charming man we have believe we have just met. The inconsistencies in Frank’s story begin to appear as Grace tells her version of events. Costigan delivers a steadfast, emotional, and believable performance. She sips from her whiskey and tells how she went from a qualified solicitor with a bright future to the broken woman we see before us, all because she loved Frank Hardy.
After the interval, light relief comes in the form of Teddy, Frank’s tour manager of twenty years (Jonathan Ashley) His light-hearted description of events intertwined with comedic stories about his dog (a bag pipe playing whippet) break up the more difficult themes of the play. The jovial nature of his speech adds credence to what he says, and we feel that he might be the only one telling the truth. Jonathan Ashley is easily likeable in this role, with excellent comic timing.
The theme of truth is prevalent throughout the play and the Director, Michael Cabot, has created a world in which the audience turn detective to unravel these flawed characters testimonies. His direction is subtle yet deliberate, and we can see that every move the character makes is well rehearsed and well considered. The set is clever and supports the action beautifully, as the actors make use of the map on the floor by moving to different sections when telling certain parts of the story. The distorted mirror at the back of the stage offers a perspective of each character that is mottled and illusory which adds to the theme of deception that runs through each narrative. The lighting changes are simple and effective and shadowy looks enhance the character’s but do not distract from their stories.
In summary, Faith Healer is not an easy theatre experience. As an audience member, you must hang on every word of the spoken monologues and every small physical movement of the characters to follow the show. However, the rewards are great, and the show is thought-provoking and intriguing. I know I will be thinking about it and untangling the character’s stories in my mind for weeks to come.
It is a challenging piece of theatre, but it is a challenge worth rising to.
***** 5 Stars.