A humdinger of bitingly funny political satire
Presented by: State Theatre Company of South Australia
Reviewed: 11 February, 2025
Emily Steel has written a humdinger of a political satire that is funny, sharp, incisive and bitingly satirical. We all know the machinations of the Westminster political system runs on rumour, innuendo and callous exploitation of anything that will destroy the other side; who knew that as the basis for a play it would have a first night audience guffawing with laughter whilst at the same time wincing at the similarities that present themselves daily in our relentless 24 hour news cycle.
It is a joy to see a cast so at home with the material and their environment. With Shannon Rush at the helm this cast has been given the licence to run with a wonderful text with a tight and inclusive ensemble of actors who all know exactly where to make us laugh and then take us to the verge of empathy before smacking us in the face with reality.
From the moment you enter the theatre you are in the action, the preshow entertainment of a solo cleaner is just there. She’s doing her job but with just the right amount of flair to make you watch her. Her presence emphasises the scale and dimension of Ailsa Paterson’s monumentally proportioned set. The fact that the same actor later assumes the role of the Prime Minister with consummate ease is a celebration of the talent of Sunitra Martinelli and the genius of Emily Steel.
Franca Lafosse’s Kelly is a joy of a role given life, energy and so many laugh out loud moments by this talented young performer. She has a gamut of emotions to play that could render her character needy and distraught – not in the hands of this talented young woman whose range belies her years. Excellent work.
Emily Taheny as Anna, Chief of Staff to Susie Youssef’s seemingly inept Ruth is a joy, and the central energy that drives this hilarious comedy. Taheny has that wonderful capability to get us so absorbed in the story that the laughs that come out of the audience with such pinpoint accuracy leave you breathless and just waiting for the next insight to come out of her character’s mouth. Youssef is a wonderful comedian combined with a skilled and clever actor. Some of the moments she sets up are just comedy gold. This woman relishes every moment of mayhem she creates.
Renato Musolino is style and schmooze personified with just a little bit of Bob Hawke’s womanising in for good measure. His Minister is spot on and provides just the right amount of antagonistic energy to make him likeable. He is political rogue to a tee.
Benn Welford’s Ben, the political advisor is a study in the devious and self-centred energy required to be a really sharp advisor. And the naughty flaw in the character that couldn’t advance in a political career because he’s gay, well there’s another political football that gets kicked around in, I’ve said it before, this brilliant, bitingly satirical play about politics.,
Ailsa Paterson’s set, brilliant and so versatile, with excellent costume choices. Nigel Leving’s lighting is so good it blends seamlessly with the action, Andrew Howard’s sound composition and design beautifully subtle.
This play has legs. Because so many countries in the world have governments based on the Westminster system this piece will entertain audiences worldwide.
Mitchell Butel’s legacy was this commission from Emily Steel and it passes the baton seamlessly to Petra Kalive.
Congratulations Emily Steel, it’s a hit!
Reviewed by Adrian Barnes
Photo credit: Matt Byrne
Venue: Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: 7 – 22 February, 2025
Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes (including intermission)
Tickets: Tickets from $81.00 (plus booking fee)
Bookings: https://statetheatrecompany.com.au/shows/housework/
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