Some drama festival committees refused the Ballymoney players entry while other venues, including the Riverside Theatre, welcomed the play with open arms.

So what could possibly have divided the Festival Circuit so much?
Watching this play, emotions are pulled from hilarity to revulsion, and of course, there's a talking point but that's nothing new.
Did we also mention the character with Alzheimer's Disease and her care or the character whose mental state is childish and of course, the few mentions of the F-word?

Could it be that delusions, either medical, inherited, self-absorbed or created in anger are just too controversial a subject, too close to the bone for polite society? Maybe "hidden" people shouldn't feature in plays?

The offence then must be in the revelation of the story, that people believe the most convenient truths, making their up own truths to suit themselves and reviling those of others.

Two stories, a century apart seem to indicate that nothing much changes over time. And that, in itself, might be the problem. Dare to see this play and acting at its best from a committed local cast.

"In Flames" plays at the Riverside Theatre on Saturday, May 10 at 8pm.
Tickets £8, concession £5. Book online at www.riversidetheatre.org.uk