What THE HISTORY BOYS and INISHMORE have in common are that they are not big crowd pleasers - INISHMORE even less so.
When I saw INISHMORE, about a dozen people walked out. It's not for everyone. That doesn't mean that the show is lacking, it just means that it's not for everyone - anyone who's seen the show will agree with that.
While I loved INISHMORE, I don't think it's as good as THE PILLOWMAN or BEAUTY QUEEN - both of which still dealt with darker, more abstract issues but were presented in such a way that the appeal was greater.
Despite the artistic and critical success of INISHMORE, I can't imagine it running long, and that's a shame - but McDonagh knows this, and I'm sure he's not taking it personally. It's one of those shows that, no matter how or where it's produced, it will have walkouts and people who are totally alienated by the piece.
With that said, I thought both shows were excellent - but nothing will top THE HISTORY BOYS for me. I was astounded by the piece, and it moved me in such a way that I can only hope is felt by others.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson