Ceasefire

Four Irish soldiers sit in a trench in France in 1916

Four Irish soldiers sit in a trench in France in 1916. At home, a rebellion has just been suppressed and its leaders executed; and they are moving to the Somme valley the next day. They argue, play cards and agonise over various matters.

Ceasefire, by Bill Murphy, is the first in a Focus season of new one-act plays at lunchtime. It suffers from its well-worn theme, a fusion of war-is-hell and men under stress. The author tries to pack too much into its 60 minutes; the characterisation is sketchy - callow, cynical, tough and idealistic - and the dialogue artificial.

On the plus side, the play is well structured, enabling director Jayne Snow to direct with precision against Carmel Nugent's evocative set design. It is helped by good acting by Eric Lacey, Robbie McDowell and David Collins, and something more from Brent Hearne.

Until August 23rd at 1.05 p.m. Booking: 6763071