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![Press Reviews:
’ÄúThe ’Äúterrible tragic tale of Helena Blunden’Äù is a ghost story which refuses to be exorcised. Writer Bernie McGill and composer/writer Paul Boyd have resurrected the ghost of Helena in this neat little 90-minute musical, stylishly directed for Big Telly by Zoe Seaton. Diego Pitarch’Äôs rickety set perfectly recaptures the dusty, crumbling interior of the now silent mill, while Conleth White’Äôs lurid green lighting lends it something of the atmosphere of that much bigger West End extravaganza Wicked. There is a curious mix of the homespun and the sophisticated about this entertaining show ... the songs are possessed with Boyd’Äôs familiar musical swagger and would find a home on any commercial stage ’Äì though there is something slightly queasy in a catchy number about self-harm, whose chorus tells us that ’ÄúSusan was a cut above the rest’Äù.’Äù Irish Times
’ÄúBernie McGill and Paul Boyd have reconstructed Helena Blunden’Äôs tragic story, with its attendant illicit love affair and mysterious deaths, and turned it into a compact little musical, which is part living history, part folklore, part ghost story, part thriller. Boyd’Äôs perennially catchy songs fairly speed the plotline through the surprising twists and turns of an affluent but dysfunctional family saga ... an entertaining evening.’Äù The Stage
’ÄúThrowing in a bit of sex, violence and a hint of droit du seigneur, McGill’Äôs script takes a hoary old ghost story ’Äì a Helena Blunden fell to her death in a linen mill in the Markets in 1912 ’Äì in an unexpected direction and turns it into something quite clever. It sounds simple enough, but McGill’Äôs writing spins the story in circles, distracting with details every time the truth threatens to be revealed. The story ties itself neatly together at the end, providing the attentive watcher with a number of satisfying ’Äòah ha’Äô moments. Zoˆ´ Seaton’Äôs direction and nicely restrained turns from the actors keep the tension high and the audience engaged as the story winds its way towards a climax. An effective piece of physical theatre. Helena’Äôs drifting, mournful songs blend into the narrative well and enhance, rather than distract from, the atmosphere. ’ÄòCut Above the Rest’Äô is powerfully delivered and visually arresting ... On the whole The Haunting of Helena Blunden is a powerful, clever play that explores the cruelty of class and the frangibility of identity.’Äù culturenorthernireland
A Sample of Audience Response:
’ÄúWhat a wonderful production! Please pass on to everyone my congratulations on the success of the show. I can see from last night why the ovations have been so consistent. The writing was taut and poetic; the music worked as an integral part; the design was effective and a crucial part of the experience in every aspect. The subject was treated with wit and humour, the performances were consistently excellent and your direction inventive and focused. This has set a very high standard in reclaiming musical theatre and in engaging audiences in Northern Ireland about narratives beyond the Troubles which nonetheless are vital. This was as good a night in the theatre as I can remember.’Äù Tom, via Facebook
’ÄúSaw ’ÄòThe Haunting...’Äô at the Waterfront Hall. Utterly fantastic! Was gripped the whole way through. Excellent work all :))’Äù Jackie, via Facebook
’ÄúSaw 'Helena Blunden' in Ballybofey ... Absolute fantastic show ... Well done to everyone.’Äù @absolutejeanius, via Twitter
’ÄúWatched ’ÄòThe Haunting ...’Äô at the Riverside in Coleraine last night and was mesmerised throughout. It really did have it all ... an intriguing story combined with great performances, atmospheric set/lighting, wonderful music, thrills, tears and flashes of humour. Many congratulations to everyone involved in the production.’Äù Mandy, via Facebook
’ÄúGreat show guys! Alan and Russell know exactly how much I LOVED it! :)’Äù Sinead, via Facebook
’Äúwow ! wow! wow!!!!, seen ’ÄòThe Haunting last night in the waterfront ... it has a lot to answer for as I’Äôve been singing the songs all day in work today!!! It was a great production and a big congratulations to all involved.’Äù Fionnuala, via Facebook
’ÄúWent to watch ’ÄòThe Haunting’Äô for the second time last night in the Civic Theatre and it gets better every time I see it. Brought a few workmates along and they all loved it. It has everything, well worth going to see!’Äù Mary, via Facebook
’Äú’ÄòThe Haunting of Helena Blunden’Äô is getting standing ovations wherever it goes, well done Big Telly I think this may be one of my favourites to date!!’Äù Esther, via Facebook
’ÄúIt was fantastic to see a show that was so refreshing and innovative. I'd highly recommend going to see 'The Haunting of Helena Blunden'. It covers all bases - skilled acting, beautiful lighting, amazing set & costume and fantastic sound (both music and effects). Well done to all involved!’Äù Orla, via Facebook
’ÄúI was at 'The Haunting of Helena Blunden' last night in Tipperary Excel. Brilliant show and well worth going to see it. I thought the cast were excellent. I went with my mother who also was very impressed with the acting, singing and storyline, best she has seen in a long time. Am thinking of going again in Dublin it was so good. Thanks for a great nights entertainment.’Äù Mary, via Facebook
’ÄúPaula rang to say that she had about 6 to 8 people came to her after the Big Telly show to say it was fabulous and the best play they had ever seen.¬Ý Even [XXXX XXXXX] said it was one of the best shows he has seen and he has been here a long time.’Äù from Box Office Manager, tour venue
’ÄúWent to see 'The Haunting of Helena Blunden' last night in Tipperary Excel and have to say it was an excellent show. Storyline was very good, acting and singing was brilliant. It is definitely well worth watching and wish the cast and crew all the best for the remainder of their tour. Would definitely recommend. 10/10.’Äù Tom, via Facebook
’ÄúSaw it in Armagh and it really is a wonderful show - keeps you on the edge of your seat right to the dramatic conclusion. Haunting and poignant lyrics/melodies, great story, cast superb, lighting and set perfectly in tune with the mood. Zoe's directing spot on, as usual. DO SEE IT!! (we were a mixed m/f group ranging in age from 18-66 and everyone of us LOVED it.)’Äù Mary, via Facebook
’ÄúA great show, a showcase for so much of our local talent. Thoroughly recommend to anyone who appreciates good well written musicals performed by a wonderfully talented cast - especially enjoyed 'A Cut above the Rest' cleverly written about a curious topic and delivered by a ridiculously versatile young lady with a great vocal range!’Äù Pauline, via Facebook
Messages received by Bernie McGill from Writers’Äô Groups:
’ÄúIt was brilliant on Thursday, a¬Ýreal theatrical experience and the real test,¬Ýthe audience clearly¬Ýloved it.’Äù
’ÄúWhat can I say?¬Ý¬ÝThe script was brilliant, the music fantastic and the cast magnificent!¬Ý I thoroughly enjoyed myself last night - the play was quite simply the best¬ÝI¬Ýhave seen in ages.¬Ý Congratulations again!’Äù
¬Ý’ÄúThere was a tremendous atmosphere in the theatre and it was very clear that every single person in the audience was enthralled (even you hopefully!!).’Äù
’ÄúIt was a thrilling show.¬Ý Great stage and atmosphere and I loved the music.¬Ý 'Helena' in particular has a voice to die for!¬Ý I see now why you like stories with lots of intrigue and twists.’Äù
’ÄúLast night was just brilliant!’Äù](Helena_Blunden_2010_files/shapeimage_14.png)
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