Presented by: Galleon Theatre Group
Reviewed: 27 October, 2023
George Bernard Shaw once said: “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place”. If there is one way to summarise the reflectiveness of the play, it would be this quote.
Written by Gordon Steel and directed by Warren Mckenzie, this is an intergenerational story about kinship care. Themes raised include caregiving responsibilities, family dynamics, relationships, emotional support, alcoholism, family values and guidance.
Primarily it is about two people, Grandad (Malcolm Walton) and Poppy (Zoe Battersby as the young version, Linda Lawson as the older Poppy) however it also speaks to the audience about the rest of the family. When Poppy is one day picked up by her Grandad at school, both of their lives are forever changed.
The relationship of the pair is turbulent however much love exists despite it all. Most of the time it is Grandad trying to find common ground, only to be constantly defied by Poppy. After all, Poppy has, without warning, suddenly been placed into the care of her Grandad, who her mother had openly disliked. She misses her mother and does not want to be there. Although social worker Genevieve (Kaitlyn Meadows) is there to help the pair with the change, the circumstances themselves are challenging regardless of their existing connection.
Malcolm Walton was so authentic in his performance. His ability to be loving and emotionally disconnected, sorrowful and frustrated, as well as thoughtful and pragmatic was so believable. He was the quintessential grandad of that generation.
Something I really noticed in this play, which is often overlooked, is the stage setting. The production design concept is credited to Warren McKenzie, with set design by James Allenby, Kym Clayton, and Trisha Graham. Not only was it a work of art in transporting the audience back in time to the era that Grandad grew up in (for example, the use of an antimacassar on his chair) but it supported the narrative with its practicality.
In Act II, the cleverness of the construction is truly revealed, as the two backdrops work seamlessly to smoothly transition the audience visually to Grandad’s flashbacks, as he relives the events from thirty years earlier.
This is an outstanding play brilliantly delivered and will make you cry, shed a tear and reflect. There is something in this play for everyone.
Reviewed by Rebecca Wu
Photo credit: supplied
Venue : Domain Theatre, Marion Cultural Centre
Season: Thursday 26th October – Saturday 4th November 2023
Bookings: https://marion.online.red61.com.au/event/318:677/
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