one4review | On 15, Aug 2022

The stage in the Billiard Room is adorned with wooden pallets, beer bottles and crisp packets and a stirring soundtrack is played as we wait for the action to start. Actor, John Travers, struts onto the stage invoking King William of Orange to set the scene. William transforms into Aaron, one of the gatekeepers of East Belfast’s biggest ‘boney’ (bonfire), due to be set alight on the 12th July as part of the annual Loyalist celebrations. Faced with constant opposition from the council and police, the community bond together and fight for their right to have a bonfire. As the anticipation mounts, Aaron becomes reckless, forcing a swift departure to Amsterdam after the bonfire has been extinguished. In Amsterdam, Aaron meets Yolanda, a Catholic, and with a cheeky ‘I’m only Sectarian in Belfast’ remark, embarks on a love affair. When one of his friends falls ill, Aaron and Yolanda travel back to Belfast and experience ‘boney’ season together.

This is a superb solo performance from John Travers, who plays all the supporting characters as well as Aaron, and his growing excitement as they prepare for the bonfire to be lit was palpable. Rosemary Jenkinson’s script celebrates the bond felt by locals protecting their right to have the bonfire, but religious tensions always bubble under the surface. Aaron’s trip to Amsterdam felt a bit flat in comparison to the build up to the lighting of the bonfire, but with the return to Belfast and a rousing ending from King William, the play ends on a triumphant note. Highly recommended.

****
Reviewed by Rona

Gilded Balloon Teviot – Billiard Room

12pm (1hr)

Until 28th Aug (not 15 or 22)