The Field

Olympia Theatre, Dublin Until Feb 12 8pm (Sat mat 3pm) From 25 0818-719300 ticketmaster.ie

It is now more than 45 years since the brutal Bull McCabe – slave to the land and a cynical schemer – lost a rigged auction for an unpromising patch of land. For decades after, John B Keane's dark drama remained a workhorse of the Irish stage. Ray McAnally played the role first, Richard Harris immortalised it on screen in 1990, and the world has seen its share of Bull since. Now, Lane Productions (or more specifically, Pat Moylan, Breda Cashe and Donal Shiels in association with the company for which they work and MCD) have decided that The Fieldhas more territory to claim.

In some ways it’s a timely revival – who isn’t concerned with the value of property right now? That production credit itself begs questions about who profits from well-reaped terrain, but the real selling point is the increasingly common sight

of an imported star in large-scale revival. Grabbing Bull by the horns, American actor Brian Dennehy will be familiar to anybody in possession of a TV, but his theatrical chops are impeccable, including two Tony awards.

Doubtful about Dennehy’s south Kerry accent? His CV (Friel, Abbey Theatre), his director (the returning Joe Dowling) and the show’s radio advertisement should put you at ease. Nobody’s putting this Bull out to pasture.

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