The Stables, 28 Vardon Avenue, rear of the Stag Hotel corner Rundle Street and East Terrace
Reviewed Saturday February 20th 2010 (See Fringe guide for dates, times, etc.)
Presented by Phrankly Theatre Company and Accidental Productions
http://adelaidefringe.com.au or 1300 FRINGE (374 643)
Bookings: Fringetix & Venuetix outlets
This is a collection of three short plays with a common thread running through them. Written by Alastair Brown and directed by Rachel Baring and Daniel Rice, each is a two-hander with, James Deeth linking them with brief introductions. These are well-written and tightly directed little gems, concise yet with solid commentary on family relationships.
Part One: Going Down finds Jack and Jill getting into a lift that then breaks down between floors. At first wary, they begin to talk and end up discussing their relationships with their spouses. It is easier to talk to strangers. All, however, is not quite what it seems. Daniel Rice and Sonya Kerr are the trapped couple with marital and work problems. They offer well considered performances as they explore the sub text and tell us more about the characters than they actually say using facial expression and body language to great advantage.
Part Two: Lost Causes introduces two sisters, one of whom, Sarah, has just come out of prison, having served time for committing a robbery the other is Brigid, a successful businesswoman. Rachel Baring, the company’s Artistic Director, as Sarah and Sonya Kerr as Brigid build the tension as accusations fly and the truth emerges. They create believable characters and generate plenty of energy in their antagonistic sibling conflict. Extra points must go to Baring who was hampered by a broken foot, requiring her to do the entire scene without being able to move from her chair.
Part Three: Fishing for Seagulls brings two estranged brothers together for their father’s funeral. James Deeth and Alastair Brown play the brothers who, it is revealed, have markedly different memories of the same events which accounts for their drastically different attitudes towards their deceased father. These two give very physical performances and display plenty of angst as their relationship changes as the truth emerges.
This was an interesting and engaging evening of theatre with fine and varied performances from the entire cast.
Reviewed by Barry Lenny, Glam Adelaide Arts Editor.
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