WITH debate around the EU referendum and the Easter Rising commemorations still fresh in our minds, Big Telly theatre company's adaptation of Spike Milligan's comic novel Puckoon makes a timely return.
The drama is set in Ireland 1922, where the Ulster Boundary Commission has drawn the new border straight through the small town of Puckoon. With the church separated from its own graveyard and drink now 30 per cent cheaper in one corner of the pub, life in the newly divided village will never be the same again.
Milligan's irreverent 1963 novel, which was also adapted into a film in 2002 starring Sean Hughes and narrated by Sir Richard Attenborough, celebrates the absurd, painting a picture of a simple life that borders on the ridiculous.
This is the stage show's third tour, following two successful Irish tours in 2009 and 2011; this time it's touring in the UK too, taking in venues in England and Wales, as well as the north, and boasting three new cast members.
Stepping into the role of the feckless Dan Milligan is Paddy Jenkins. No stranger to the Irish stage, as well as being a regular in the Grand Opera House pantos, his credits include Dancing Shoes: The George Best Story and Septic Tiger. He most recently starred as Pastor Begbie in Give My Head Peace Live and reveals that he will be reprising the role of the Presbyterian minister this summer, when the cast start filming a comeback television series, after a 10-year-break from our screens.
While Milligan claimed that his debut novel nearly drove him mad, Jenkins admits that after two weeks' rehearsal "I am mad". "It's been a challenge, but I'm having a ball," he adds.
Although not an overtly political piece, the play does examine what happens when a group of people decide how to divide up a country.
"It's madness at the border with people having to be dug up based on political persuasions to be buried on the right side. For me it's like a jigsaw that is taken apart and it ends in carnage with all these characters floating around and there is no solution. [Dan] Milligan is a hopeless character who is doomed from the beginning," laughs Jenkins.
His favourite scene? "We are at the border trying to discuss the border commission and there is a Paisley-esque figure with ill-fitting dentures. He discusses Home Rule and his dentures go flying."
Channelling the Goonish blend of theatrical anarchy and musical wit is director Zoe Seaton. Portstewart-based Big Telly are known for fusing various art forms and Puckoon utilises the talent of its actor-musicians.
"The soundtrack is lovely old folk instrumental," says Jenkins who plays kazoo and percussion. Meanwhile actor John O'Mahony plays the squeeze box, harmonica, mandolin and piano. Completing the cast are musical composer Paul Boyd, Giles Stoakley, Keith Singleton and Patrick J O'Reilly.
Puckoon visits the Playhouse, Derry (April 16), The MAC, Belfast (April 20 to 30), Alley Theatre, Strabane (May 1), Market Place, Armagh (May 5) and Riverside Theatre, Coleraine (May 28). Full touring details at big-telly.com
