That seasoned showman, Ronnie Drew, does not overly indulge in flourishes. In Ronnie, I Hardly Knew You, he just walks on and plunges into his act, here consisting of a well-chosen selection of songs, poems and anecdotes. His trick is simply in the delivery, and by the end he has revealed himself to be a superb entertainer.
He is, of course, best known as a singer, and that darkbrown, pebble-dashed voice has grown in richness over the years, never better than now. The pitch is perfect, the diction impeccable and the interpretations virtually unique.
His recitations have the same quality, whether he is immersed in some of James Joyce's more irreverent poems or a generous extract from an O'Casey play. His feeling for the words, and indeed for the authors, is absolutely right, and gives them added value.
Accompanied nicely by Michael Hanrahan on guitar, which he also plays himself, he fills the theatre with a charismatic and totally relaxed persona. Those unfamiliar with Ronnie Drew as a solo act may be surprised at his easy dominance and will surely revel in it. He is a class act.
Continues until August 2nd; booking on (01) 6795720.