Performing Arts

Review: Zigzag Street

The Stirling Players latest production is the play adaption of Nick Earls’ best selling novel, ‘Zigzag Street’, a much loved book from the 90s.

Presented by Stirling Players
Reviewed 25 September 2015

The Stirling Players premiered its season of the play adaption of Nick Earls’ best selling novel, Zigzag Street, on Friday night.

A much loved book from the 90s, ‘usual order for Hiller’ is, in a nut-shell, how many fans remember the story of Richard Derrington. This is because protagonist Richard (‘Rick’) is recently single but is yet to accept his situation and doesn’t ‘fess up to his local Thai take-out that there is no longer a Hiller.

Photo: Mark Anolak

Photo: Mark Anolak

The narrative of Zigzag Street progresses from this point: Rick in denial, living in the house his grandparents built in the 1920s, new owner of Greg, the ginger cat, so named after grandma’s ginger-haired doctor. As his best friend Jeff aptly puts it, Rick is a crap magnet. Crappy things and situations just gravitate to poor, hapless Rick. But this may be why people like him. He’s down to earth, has great one-liners and just wants to find the right girl.

Unfortunately, a lot of what made the novel great was its access to Rick’s interior monologue and much of this is lost in the translation. What we’re left with in the play is a series of slap-stick comedic events and a cast of likeable characters in a 90s rom-com. While the book flies, the play does limp a little.

Photo: Mark Anolak

Photo: Mark Anolak

That’s not to say, however, that the Stirling Players didn’t give it a great go. In particular, lead actor Lee Cook who played Richard Derrington did an exceptional job as the bumbling hero. Present on stage for every scene, this was no mean feat that Cook pulled off. Similarly, the rest of the amateur cast did a fantastic job bringing the supporting cast of friends and love interests in Rick’s life to the stage.

The theatre group also made great use of the space available. The stage was mostly home to Rick’s lounge room and his office, and the 90s decor down to the box desk computers led much authenticity to the era. Snatches of music and cultural references from the 90s also helped set the story in its rightful place in history. A particular stand-out scene is when Rick dances naked to a Peter Andre hit. And yes, other than an artfully placed hand, it is the full-monty.

While the play version may not be as dynamic as the book, this is still a fun production and recommended for anyone who likes live theatre and a good rom-com.

Reviewed by Samantha Bond
Twitter: @sambond

Venue: Stirling Community Theatre
Season: 25 Septemebr – 10 October 2015
Duration: 2.5 hours
Tickets: $16 – $20
Bookings: Buy online from The Stirling Players website or phone 0414075413.

 

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