Charolais

for a previous production “Digging up the dark pastures of rural Ireland, Stapleton conveys the fears of isolation and repressed emotion that sometimes makes romance difficult…Stapleton's themes of lust and loneliness have so imaginative a range as to cross species…After the action reaches a striking and violent conclusion, there is a sense of new life in a depraved place. Artfully, Stapleton's play is just as pastoral in bringing land and people together.” Full Review

for a previous production “Noni Stapleton's hilarious take on rural life and love is a paradox: superficially crude, it's full of wisdom and tenderness, and manages to throw in a fair sprinkling of compassion and forgiveness along the way…It is intended as a high compliment when I write that Stapleton is utterly convincing as both the sturdy Siobhan and the Charolais.” Full Review

for a previous production “Stapleton has created a splendid script…Noni Stapleton as performer and writer has created a triumph. She is entitled to be very proud of ‘Charolais,’ but also the direction of Bairbre ni Caoimh is to be lauded as it energizes the entire script…‘Charolais’ is great theatre, no more need be said.” Full Review

for a previous production “A hilarious and uplifting comedy…Stapleton is completely comfortable onstage, and the audience in turn allows the story to wash over them, and everyone is in a constant state of laughter…‘Charolais’ works but has been done better before…It would have been interesting to be treated to something new...Stapleton is a joy to watch and she knows her audience. Love, family, and loss all combine at the finish to create a charming piece of theatre. Well worth the venture. A truly enjoyable show.” Full Review

for a previous production “It is a sweet treat of a script, both affectionate and grounded…Stapleton’s performance is really good. Yes, in many respects it is a humorous monologue – for woman and cow – but it is also wholesome and generous…I was especially taken by the way Stapleton makes her space her own and looks astonishingly ‘at home’ – in wellies – just a few feet from her audience…It’s all heart.” Full Review

for a previous production “A darkly witty tale…The play is full of unexpected twists and turns and Stapleton’s ability to make lightning shifts in tone...is skilled and hilarious…Stapleton’s cow is superb…We care about her almost as much as we do about Siobhan. For all the witty lines and hilarity there is also a sense of the hardships of a farming life in rural Ireland…All of which adds a sense of depth and contributes to the dramatic climax of the play…This is a delicious and witty piece of lunchtime theatre." Full Review

for a previous production “Stapleton’s hour-long monologue invites the audience into the lonely world of a young pregnant woman, desperate for the affection of the father of her child...In a comedic performance that jumps between a resentful, distressed woman and an overtly sexual French cow, Stapleton succeeds in drawing the audience into a world of desire, lust and intense loneliness. This is a fast-paced, witty, and intensely emotional tale filled with laughter, loss and despair.” Full Review