 | | One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest |
For this production, McMurphy is played by Shane Ritchie, a man only too aware of his character’s persona of half saint half sinner. Richie gives a tremendous performance, both comical and poignant. He brings a welcome exuberance to the role and once again proves his worth as a very convincing character actor. His nemesis Sophie Ward, playing Nurse Ratched, delivers a serenely sadistic performance as she manipulates the patients to her will. The rest of the cast provide good ensemble support for the two leading roles. Cian Barry as Billy, the boy constantly taunted by Ratched, is immense and the other members depict their roles brilliantly, providing a thought provoking examination of how we treat mental illness, with a strong focus here on the 60s use of electric shock treatment and surgical lobotomy. Inevitably it is hard not to draw comparisons to Jack Nicholson and the very famous film version, but as the stage play offers a different approach to the narrative, this touring production is a fascinating treatment of the story. This was an interesting, challenging and entertaining evening at the Theatre, and the ending will remain with me for a long time. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest is at the Palace Theatre until Saturday 26 May | 
