Those good old days of Radio plays are back again!
Reviewed at Goodwood Institute Theatre on 23 February 2019
Presented by Preachrs Podcast OnLine & OnStage
Detectives Candy Matson and Johnny Dollar are back for another crime fighting season and are better than ever. These two detectives had real radio programs back in the 1950s. Benjamin Maio Mackay, Emma Bargery, Eden Trebilco and Jennifer Barry treat the audience to sharp, witty and fast paced dialogue and an hilarious performance of old time radio detectives.
The Goodwood Institute is a great venue for the performance which has the four actors up close and personal with the studio audience. A table, set with tea cups, an ‘On Air’ sign and a wonderful Victrola style record forms the set, as the players speak into old style microphones with scripts in hand, just as radio plays are produced.
Emma Bargery is private investigator Candy Matson played with a right on accent and terrific, sultry voice – especially when she’s speaking with boyfriend Detective Mallard, one of the many roles voiced by the immensely talented Benjamin Maio Mackay, just as is done in radio plays.
The story is way too convoluted to try to explain but suffice to say that Jennifer Barry is spot on as the upper class Mrs Gray and Madame Natasha. Eden Trebilco brings his improvisational talent to his many roles when he ad libs and, at times, starts other cast members laughing.
Trebilco really hits his stride in the second tale when he stars as Johnny Dollar, insurance investigator. It’s no wonder he works up a sweat as he throws himself into the role. His performance is very funny, even more so when he either anticipates a sound cue or alternatively comes in a little late. These all add to the fun and the verisimilitude of the performance as this must have happened on countless occasions in the golden days of radio.
Great Detectives 2 is a family friendly show and I think kids will enjoy seeing how radio plays are made. It’s a fun night with plenty of drama and mystery as well as comedy and you’ll see some superlative performances from this talented troupe of actors.
Reviewed by Jan Kershaw
Venue: 1.Studio 166 at Goodwood Institute Theatre,166 Goodwood Rd, Goodwood
- Union Hall, 116 Grote St, Adelaide
3.The Cabinet Room at Treasury 1860, 144 King William St, Adelaide
- The Atrium at Cafe Outside The Square, 34 Whitmore Sq, Adelaide
- Main Theatre at Goodwood Institute Theatre,166 Goodwood Rd, Goodwood
Season: 1. Feb 24 at 2pm and 7.30pm 2. 1-2 March at 7.30pm 3. 3 March at 2pm 4. 3 March at 2pm
- No dates available
Duration: 70 mins
Tickets: $ 28.00 Concession: $25.00
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