‘Lough/Rain’ weaves together two plays by Declan Feenan and Clara Brennan. This seems surprising given the simple and linear plot which examines a couple’s relationship before and after a life-changing event - yet in both structure and quality there is a sense that this is a play of two halves. In the first, we see lovers Caoimhe and Michael going about an ordinary morning - making sandwiches, sharing a cup of tea, discussing their plans for the day.

 

But the direction and delivery is strange, with odd emphases and implied significance on what seem very casual comments. The loaded pauses and slow pace of what should surely have been a quick, ordinary conversation proves grating. The kitchen sink chit-chat and naturalistic action then give way to a stylised sequence conveying a terrible accident, punctuated with a shiver-inducing scream from Kate Donmall as Caoimhe.

 

So we move into a second half tainted with tragedy. Suddenly the dialogue works - after an accident has confined Michael as a drooling shell of his former self to a residential care unit, there certainly is a layer of tension beneath the surface normality of their conversation. It’s at this point the show really takes off, with incredibly sensitive and powerful performances from the two actors. Jot Davies gives a heartbreaking performance as the confused and damaged Michael, and his frustration at himself and his condition is terribly moving.

Donmall is brave and big-hearted as his patient but struggling lover. When he brushes a tear from her eye a little clumsily, I confess I had to do the same myself.

‘Lough/Rain’ provides one of the most convincing portrayals of love and intimacy I’ve ever seen onstage - these two are totally physically relaxed and capture a tender affection and sexual attraction in the first half. This makes their unsure relationship status post-accident all the more affecting. If only the first scene had been a little lighter, another poignant contrast could have been created between the breezy normality of their lives and the traumatically altered situation they find themselves in later in the play.

The soundtrack plays a big role in this production, frequently providing a metronymic beat - waves break rhythmically, clocks tick, a life-support machine bleeps ominously. The set, including a montage of fading-out paintings providing an impression of the lake by which they live, gives ‘Lough/Rain’ a strong sense of place.

A subtle, believable script and genuinely moving performances make this essential viewing for anyone looking for touching, emotional drama at the fringe. Just remember to take a tissue.