Arranged in three parts, Seamus Scanlon’s play offered snapshots of the life of IRA assassin Victor McGowan during The Troubles of the 1980s, not a political drama as such, but the story of a deeply damaged character.

Each act showed a different side to the main man, though common threads ran throughout, providing continuity.

The first act saw the interplay between McGowan and a could-have-been lover known only as “Woman” (Anna Olson Nugent); the second was a bar scene with McGowan surrounded by his IRA brothers; and the final saw him at the hospital with his senile mother (Lisa Harmer).

None of those who crossed his path emerged unscathed.

There were compelling performances from all, though credit goes to Paul Nugent for his portrayal of the terrifyingly volatile McGowan.

The use of music in the production was particularly effective, often providing a stark contrast, light relief even, to the extreme violence.

This run was the UK premiere, with Paul Nugent and Anna Olsen Nugent travelling from New York, where the play opened.

This was sensitive and nuanced theatre with great attention to detail, which lent itself to the space; a perfect choice for the first production at the newly opened Kino-Teatr.

Four stars