Catalpa! An epic story of daring and rescue; feats of bravery, love and honour, starring a cast of 100's, performed by one man. Can it work? Well the answer is a resounding yes!

The James Gang which seems to consist of only performer Michael Cassidy pulled off a wonderful and inventive piece of theatre. Cassidy is a fantastic performer who can change from one character to the next at the blink of an eye, whilst keeping the audience with him. His inventiveness with meager props, a couple of bed sheets and 2 large trunks, had the audience clapping and laughing as each was used in a highly surprising and inventive way. We were transported from a large whaling ship to a deserted beach with just one flick of a peach-coloured sheet.

However, although visually inventive it was nothing without the formidable acting skills of Cassidy. His telling of the story was magical. Every new scene, as he described it came to life in our minds eye. We were transported from America to Australia , via a small flash back to Ireland , with beautiful eloquence. Part of this can be put down to Donal O'Kelly's script but without a versatile and talented performer it would have came to nothing.

Accompaniment to this piece was provided by a very filmic musical score, something that seemed to be lifted straight from a hollywood blockbuster. It aided the journey and really touched the audience's emotions wonderfully well.

This has to be one of the shows of the festival, if not the show. Do not miss this.