George Rath's comedy Don't Dress For Karaoke is something of a puzzle. It was first performed in 1998 as Emmet's Wife (an event which escaped my attention), and it now returns, says the programme note, funnier than ever. There's a serious contradiction built into that sentiment, but let's not dwell in the past.
It is set in a pub which incorporates a snug at the side. This is frequented by low lifers, their women, security men and a lecherous barman named Emmet who does not, in fact, have a wife. For some 70 minutes they argue, plan various unconsummated seductions and make moronic attempts at wit and a social intercourse that, for them, is virtually interchangeable with the other kind. The author is probably not kin to Oscar Wilde.
I couldn't quite fathom the bit about karaoke, except that it is clearly designed to get one of the men into a black jockstrap and to launch an unexpected but welcome segue into a musical finale. In general the plot-lines are blurred in an inchoate confusion of form and style.
The actors have a spread of rookie talent which might have shone rather more with a half-decent script, and Elaine Murphy has a natural comic energy that actually defies it. Philip McCann has the thankless task of directing the evening's business, and the absence of stage wizardry in his work is perfectly understandable. As low-flying objects go, this is a real hedge-hopper.
Continues to July 14th; booking on 01-6713387