First staged in 1924 in Dublin, Juno and The Paycock is a three-part play that explores the working-class struggles of Dubliners during the Civil War. This legendary piece is revered in Ireland for its profound religious and social commentary. Now playing at the Giulged Theatre in the West End, Alexander Zeldin's revival of Sean O'Casey's iconic play is as richly funny as it is darkly tragic, with stellar performances all around.

J. Smith-Cameron (best known as Gerri Kellman in the hit HBO show Succession) and legendary British theatre icon Sir Mark Rylance star as husband and wife, Juno and "Captain" Jack Boyle. Smith-Cameron portrays a strong matriarch, head of the house, doing anything for the survival of her family, while Rylance embodies her drunkard "paycock" of a husband. Cameron's performance is subtle yet powerful, with a realism that is rare to find. Rylance's steady portrayal of the overtly drunken Jack Boyle maintains a consistent wetness that becomes powerful in the context of the play.

The special charm of this production lies in its structure. The first act is a straight comedy, despite the Civil War setting, financial struggles, and alcohol bringing bleak undertones. At its core, the first third is a riot, with the crowd bursting into laughter at almost anything Rylance mutters (and slurs), and Juno's sassy one-liners aimed at her lush husband lulling the audience into a false sense of comedic security. But by the final act, there is a complete mood shift. What began as a jovial look at a family in shambles turns into a hard, painful viewing of a family on the brink of ruin.

Through incredible yet subtle set changes, the audience is exposed to the realism of life in Ireland during the wardeath of sons, financial ruin, and struggle. The most devastating element is the breaking relationship between Juno and Captain Boyle. Heartbreaking subtleties, so soft and gentle you could blink and miss them, are masterfully portrayed by Smith-Cameron, whose caring Juno struggles to let her husband suffer, even when it's self-inflicted. Rylance's once funny drunkenness turns extremely sinister, from disowning his daughter to beating his already broken son. This electric shock of realism feels unexpected and is stomach-churningly effective.

At the core of this production is a darkly comic revelation about the working class in Ireland during the war. What once seemed like a hilarious drunken father turns into an abusive drunk, and what once seemed like a nagging wife turns into a strong matriarch willing to do anything for those she loves. This is a show of love, loss and false hope that will play with your emotions. It is no wonder 100 years later, Juno And The Paycock is still captivating audiences with its balancing act between comedy and tragedy.