Theatre in Action

Theatre in Action was started in 1997 by David O’Neill and Suzanne Field after meeting in 1991 whilst working at the Citizens’ Theatre in Glasgow at the start of their careers. Their aim was to enable each other to do the kind of work they wanted to do but that until that point had not had the opportunity to do. With David as Director and Suzanne as Set and Costume Designer they deliberately set out to choose intellectually challenging texts that were not popularly done.

The play that they chose to launch their new company with was In Lambeth by Jack Shepherd which was performed at the Cottiers’ Theatre, Glasgow in April 1997. The play featured 3  relatively new actors who were also close friends (one of whom had never acted before but was an experienced musician used to performing) who went on to feature in several future Theatre in Action productions.

PRODUCTIONS TO DATE.

In Lambeth by Jack Shepherd, Cottiers’ Theatre, Glasgow April 1997: Thomas Paine Mark Price William Blake Paul Cunningham Katherine Blake Amanda Sykes Director David O’Neill Designer Suzanne Field Lighting Designer Stuart Jenkins Photographs courtesy of Alex Harvey

Mark Price as Thomas Paine

Paul Cunningham as William Blake

The cast of In Lambeth

“Did Theatre in Action influence the timing of the election? One wonders, because the new company have come up with an implausibly relevent piece of work as their first production…….Director David O’Neill has schooled his cast well, and the resulting production should be seen as an extremely accomplished debut. And yes, it should be seen.” David Grimmer – The Herald

The Gigli Concert by Tom Murphey – Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh Aug 1997: J.P.W King Paul Cunningham The Irishman Mark Price Mona Amanda Sykes Director/Designer David O’Neill Lighting Designer Camilla O’Neill Photos courtesy of Marc Marnie

Mark Price as The Irishman

“Tom Murphey’s complex examination of the male psyche is a bold choice for any theatre group, demanding great concentration both on and off the performance platform. Theatre in Action has succeeded in exploring the various different levels in this play, pulling off a rich and convincing interpretation. ..Paul Cunningham, Mark Price and Amanda Sykes have been well directed by David O’Neill. It’s a long and demanding sit but I’d have to conclude that it’s worth waiting for.” Elizabeth Clark – The Herald

Faith Healer by Brian Friel – Citizens’ Theatre, Glasgow Feb 1998 and small scale scottish tour Sept/Oct 1999: Frank Mark Price Teddy Paul Cunningham Grace Lucy McLellan Director David O’Neill Designer Suzanne Field Lighting Designer Paul Sorley Photographs courtesy of John Barr

Lucy McLellan as Grace

Mark Price as Frank

Paul Cunningham as Teddy

” In the leading roles, director David O’Neill has provided three performers who do the stories and the emotions justice. Mark Price cuts a sinister, yet mesmerising  figure as the faith healer….McLellan, as the on-edge Grace, appears to have been beaten out of metal……By contrast, Paul Cunningham elicits plenty of laughter as Teddy. He slips from comic figure to haunted soul without overplaying his hand…..Theatre in Action’s production opens up into an essential show.” Alison Freebairn – The Daily Mail

The Busker by James Kelman – Citizens’ Theatre, Glasgow May 1998: The Busker Mark Price The Ponce Paul Cunningham The Lady Amanda Sykes Director David O’Neill Designer Suzanne Field Lighting Designer Paul Sorley Photographs courtesy of Marc Marnie

The cast of The Busker

Paul Cunningham as The Ponce

Mandy Sykes as The Lady

“The ensemble playing is excellent and director David O’Neill is to be congratulated for a fascinating interpretation which has many moments of high good humour as well as tension.” Ian Black – The Herald

Judith by Howard Barker – Citizens’ Theatre, Glasgow  April 2002: Judith Hazel Ann Crawford Holofernes Aleksander Mikic The Servant Mary Wells Director David O’Neill Set Design Suzanne Field Costume Design Elaine Robertson Lighting Design Stuart Jenkins Composers Scott McGowan and Pete Drummie Photographs courtesy of John Barr

Aleksander Mikic and Mary Wells

Hazel Ann Crawford as Judith

“..chewy, intellectually demanding drama like this is the stock in trade of director David O’Neill, whose shoestring Theatre in Action presents the play. There are terrific performances from Aleksander Mikic as Holofernes and Mary Wells as the twitchy maid-servant who urges Hazel Ann Crawford’s sultry Judith to her task. O’Neill keeps action to a minimum, allowing the script to speak for itself.” The Sunday Herald

Moriarty is Crying by Raymond Friel and Derek Boyle – Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2005 and Citizens’ Theatre Sept 2005: Kenny Paul Cunningham Johnny Andrew Stephenson Ralph Paul Chaal Director/Designer David O’Neill Lighting Designer Stuart Jenkins

Review - Moriarty is Crying