Presented by Galleon Theatre Group
Reviewed 4 May 2017
Recognised as Australia’s most successful playwright, David Williamson’s name is instantly familiar; we all know at least one Williamson play. With so many works over the past 30 years it would be unreasonable to expect them all to be award winners. Written in 2009, the script follows predictable lines using his favourite slice of society. Having said that, as with all his plays there are some great lines which elicit much laughter. However the ending is not the usual conclusion and I found it a little flat.
Putting all that aside, the Galleon production is all the company usually promises. A very useful, well dressed set the work of Kym Clayton and his merry band of helpers, well lit by Scott Battersby and Luke Budgen with an interesting sound track provided by Sean Smith (wonder who chose the tracks?). The two-level set allowed for smooth running of the production, which was well paced by director Vicky Horwood.
Director Horwood probably found her task easier because of the excellent cast. Kym Clayton making a welcome return to the boards plays Toby, a disillusioned protester and filmmaker. As his long-suffering wife Ros, Deborah Walsh puts in a fine performance. They have moved from Sydney to Queensland to get away from some bad publicity. There they reconnect with another couple. Ron is a very successful property developer who Toby sees as one of the people destroying the environment. Andrew Horwood plays Ron with his usual finesse, building the character that everybody wants to see fail. His wife, the social climbing latte drinking “Natasha” (formerly Jocelyn) is brought to life by Anita Canala and together they make the perfect pair, never to be compatible with Toby and Ros.
Typical Williamson conflict made even more interesting by the offspring: a down-at-heel musician, Rick (Hal Bruce) and a corporate lawyer vying for partner, Emma (Charlotte Batty). When the attraction between these two becomes serious the reactions are epic. Both Bruce and Batty do well and the development of the romance is fun to watch, not to mention the tussle over grandchildren!
This production is good and has plenty of laughs and Williamson fans will love it. Galleon continues to provide great community theatre and is well supported for good reasons.
Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Twitter: @franeds
Venue: Domain Theatre, Marion Cultural Centre
Season: 4 -13 May 2017
Duration: 2.5 hr
Tickets: Adult $24 Conc $20
Bookings: INTERNET – to pay by card – Go to ONLINE BOOKINGS
E-MAIL – leave a message at [email protected]
PHONE – telephone Booking Officer (Joy or Allan) on 0437-609-577
More News
