OMNIBUS THEATRE: What is Gutted about?
SHARON BYRNE: Gutted is a black comedy, exploring the lives of three young women working in a fish factory in Dublin in 1980s. Breda, Delores and Deirdre, on a night out experience life changing issues. Their story arcs evolve and change from a place of needing to escape the norm.
OT: How has Gutted changed since its first performances at Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury?
SB: Gutted script-wise has not changed all that much, but there’s always room for editing and strengthening a play script. Gutted was directed by Chris White and he had his own great vision and interpretation of Gutted – working along side Marty Langthorne our lighting designer – a wonderful set through lighting and direction was achieved for Gutted thus a new fresh contemporary edgy production was born. So yes it has changed from the first production they are both equally great productions in different ways.
OT: Why did you want to tell these women’s stories?
SB: These women’s stories are important, all women struggled with issues of domestic violence, sexual identity and sexual abuse – issues not shed away from. Issues that are still apparent today even though we have moved forward since 1980s Dublin, women still face these issues.
OT: What do you want audiences to take away from Gutted?
SB: Gutted is a funny play, it’s actually uplifting, and at times hilarious but it has an underlying subtext all the way through, the audience are taken along on a journey with the women and relate to them on different levels for different reasons. They are tough girls but you empathise with them and their lives.
OT: What is next for you and Gutted?
SB: I’d love to take Gutted to Ireland or the States but I need a lot more funding or a big producer. I hope to finish my next play in the meantime. Battered (nothing to do with fish) is a play I’m excited about.
