Theatre: Fresh yet familiar Beauty Queen shows off McDonagh’s brilliance

McDonagh’s writing still sings with a sublime juxtaposition of parody and pantomime, travesty and tragedy

Marie Mullen, Aisling O’Sullivan and Marty Rea in The Beauty Queen of Leenane Pic: Stephen Cummiskey

The Beauty Queen of Leenane

Gaiety Theatre, Dublin

Until October 29

Rating:****

It is 20 years since director Garry Hynes brought to life The Beauty Queen of Leenane, the remarkable debut play of Martin McDonagh. The production was such a success that it spawned a trilogy and toured for four years, earning Hynes a Tony Award when it played on Broadway. McDonagh has since become a feted filmmaker, but his plays – with ...