REVIEW: WHAT THE ANIMALS SAY by David Ireland at Finborough Theatre 29 September - 24 October 2026
“tour-de-force performances” ★★★★
What The Animals Say, the debut play from David Ireland, explores the relationship between Northern Ireland’s past and recent present. It begins with the unlikely reunion of its two main characters. Former classmates Eddie and Jimmy are waiting for the Stranraer ferry to Belfast when they first recognise each other. They exchange school memories, offer recaps of life in the years since graduation, and discover they have both relocated to Scotland. As their catch-up continues, however, what they have in common gives way to disagreements that slowly reveal deepening cracks beneath the foundation of shared history.
The 70-minute dark comedy is as funny as it is thought-provoking. What The Animals Say invites its audience to laugh at depictions of The Troubles in popular culture, while highlighting the very real and enduring political, cultural and social legacy of this history. Ireland, the playwright, uses witty dialogue to effectively recreate and satirise the polarity of Protestants and Catholics, loyalists and republicans, to parallel the divisions in the global politics of the early 21st century. The points of view are, at once, specific and universal, and although the play was first performed in 2009, it remains remarkably relevant. The script also wrestles with competing ideas of masculinity and the manifestations of anger.
The Finborough production features tour-de-force performances from both lead actors. Robbie Martin disappears into Eddie, the brash but famous footballer whose unique combination of charisma and bravado has landed him playing for Celtic - as a protestant - just to get back at Sir Andrew Ferguson. Eddie finds the perfect foil in Jimmy, a self-serious but struggling actor with his own particular combination of integrity and bitterness, played brilliantly by Matthew Blaney. Both characters are individually compelling but it’s their shifting dynamic with each other that holds the piece and the audience.
These performances are elevated by excellent direction from Harry Burton. The show calls for minimal props and set dressing, but the subtlety of the production and set design effectively supports the size of the personalities. Though What The Animals Say does not have an interval, it does include a time jump that involves a memorably clever set change.
What The Animals Say is over too soon. The play flies by to its clever ending and while it is a relief it does not drag, there is potential depth sacrificed for time. Arguments between the two men occasionally feel more circular than propulsive but the play is presently too short to linger on flaws. It’s thoroughly entertaining and the lack of heavy-handedness is refreshing.
Although What The Animals Say maintains humour throughout, it’s worth noting that the production includes strong language, including hate speech, references to the Troubles, sexual violence and abuse, and depictions of violence.
Photography: Gavin Watson
WHAT THE ANIMAL SAY by David Ireland
Presented by Hallions Ltd in association with Neil McPherson for the Finborough Theatre
Playing at Finborough Theatre 29 September - 24 October 2026.
Tickets available here
Cast
Robbie Martin
Matthew Blaney
Directed by
Harry Burton
Designed by
Alex Marker
Sound design by
Joe Dines
Costume design by
Ellie Landrebe
Hair and Makeup design by
Sophia Knight
Stage Manager
Lesley Clay
Stage Manager
Raffy Elliston
Assistant Director
Robin Stewart
Lighting design by
Jodi Rabinowitz
