Presented by: St Jude’s Players
Reviewed: 5 August, 2023
Debra Oswald’s Australian play, Mr Bailey’s Minder, whilst being humorous, has human emotional drama beautifully underpinning it. The play examines subjects such as ageing, home care, family, art, past celebrity fame and alcoholism. Once celebrated artist and Australian National Treasure, Leo Bailey, is now suffering the effects of constant womanising, drinking, his body slowly shutting down and the onset of senile dementia. He never leaves his home and nursing staff keep quitting. His daughter, Margo (“the Viper”), from his first marriage is the only family member who has taken on the onerous task of looking after him, and as a last resort employs an agency carer (a live-in minder), young ex-con Therese.
The first thing that strikes the audience as they enter the auditorium is the absolutely stunning set designed by Don Oakley. It is an amalgam of doors hanging from the ceiling, paintings and murals ravished and destroyed by graffiti and New Guinea artefacts (murals by Peter Duldig, the New Guinea artefacts by Duldig, Alicia Duldig and Christopher Boucher). I have a previous acquaintance with the play and was bowled over by this set’s effectiveness (and just a tad jealous).
Vicky Horwood’s direction gives us something to look at all the time and never allows boredom to creep in at the quietest of times. She presents us with very relatable characters reacting, most of the time, as anyone would in any given situation. I say most of the time because there is some business in Act Two that requires physicality and chaos that is integral to setting up emotionally the climax – this seemed far too understated. However, that’s my only quibble with the production.
Playing a character that is irascible, angry, confused, whilst being funny and lovable and gaining an audience’s sympathy is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. In the role of Leo Bailey, Andrew Horwood is definitely ‘in’ the role. His brilliant portrayal of this injured individual is the consummate example of acting at its finest. Horwood’s performance really needs to be viewed more than once to spot all the little physical nuances he gives the character. This is a ‘once in a lifetime’ role for an actor and Horwood just simply shines.
As Mr Bailey’s Minder, Therese, Leah Lowe once again shows what a fine actor she is. We are on her side immediately and never leave it. Her naturalness is convincingly realised and she makes Therese the perfect foil for Leo. The way she handles the quite difficult hairdressing scene is worth the price of a ticket alone.
Joanne St Clair plays daughter Margo perfectly. There is just the right amount of venom in her performance whilst still allowing the audience to feel her pain. Her little moment at the end of the play is superb.
Rounding off the cast is Hal Bruce in two roles; the extremely sleazy Gary and the very likeable carpenter Karl. Bruce handles both with such aplomb and gives each character such different mannerisms that it’s hard to believe it is the same actor. Be warned ladies, you’ll probably want to take Karl home with you (but definitely not Gary).
Mr Bailey’s Minder is yet another St Jude’s success and very well worth seeing.
Reviewed by Brian Godfrey
Photo credit: supplied
Venue: St Jude’s Hall – 444 Brighton Rd, Brighton
Season: Until Sunday 13 August
Duration: 2 hours
Tickets: From $15
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1057316
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