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Theatre Review: Drinking Habits


Drinking-Habits
Presented by Venture Theatre Company
Reviewed 26 July 2013

Amateur theatre, regrettably, is all too often synonymous with the literal meaning of ‘amateur’: unprofessional and slapdash. Many will turn their nose at the lack of expensive flare that is common amongst more professional productions. That is disappointing, because it is in fact amateur theatre companies that often showcase the diamonds in the rough of the acting community.

Southern amateur theatre group Venture Theatre Company debuts its winter season with Drinking Habits, written by American playwright Tom Smith and directed by Luke Wagner. Reporters Paul and Sally (Jaye Toetu and Christie Molloy) are after the scoop of the century following a tip that a local parish, the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing, are bootlegging homemade “grape juice” to beat the crunch of financial hardship. The parish’s three Sisters (yes, only three) are lovable scallions Sisters Philamena and Augusta (Leanne Albers and Shelley Carman) and the steadfast Mother Superior (Lee Glasson), who are keeping a keen eye following a notification that Rome is sending a spy to shutdown dwindling parishes. Antics ensue when new arrival, Nun-to-be Sister Mary Catherine (Lucy Marshallsay) enters the fray, much to the surprise of groundskeeper George (David Giles) and the staunchly jovial Father Chenille (Kyle Hopgood).

Overall the cast show strong characterisation and deliver prompt and fluent physical comedy. When most of the stage is clad in black and white, there is extra pressure to rely on facial expressions and physical movement to display your character, which is done very well here. Hopgood has wonderful comedic timing, and his thick Irish accent never falters – impressive! Molloy is a shining star here. Her natural stage presence and charisma is evident, and she has neatly slid into her role as the nosey, impulsive journalist with proficiency. Marshallsay is the strongest of the cast in her physical comedy, as the fleeting, naïvely innocent Sister, and her 17 years of acting experience is evident.

Albers, Giles, and Carman have brilliant on-stage chemistry and hilarious back-and-forth, farce-style dialogue. Albers is yet another strong contender in this production; her virtuousness and inability to lie pave the way for some brilliant lines that honestly had me laughing out loud. Glasson bears the mantle of a Mother Superior with grace and virtue, and she is the key figure to the strong emotional subplot that evolves in the second act (guaranteed to tug those heart strings). Toetu shows good control of comedic timing and word play, and is a humorous and solid counterfoil to Molloy.

Occasional lines were dropped or swapped, and the actors need to be careful not to mumble or rush their improvised substitutes, as this draws attention to their misfires.

Wagner has delivered an entertaining and polished performance packed to the brim with a bucket-load of talent. Definitely worth the trip to the south.

Reviewed by Nathan Giaccio

Venue: Trinity Hall, William Road, Christies Beach

Season: 26 July – 3 August
Duration: 2 hours
Tickets: $12.00 – $15.00
Bookings: Phone 0487 772 273

Photo Credit: Jaye Toetu

Disclaimer: Nathan Giaccio is a former member of Venture Theatre Company

 

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