Presented by: Galleon Theatre Group
Reviewed: 3 May, 2024
Every now and again a play happens that takes you completely by surprise. Of Good Stock is one of them. Melissa Ross’s gem of a play about the sibling rivalry of three sisters surrounding the events leading up to, and during, an annual family get together, are poignant, funny, challenging and a beautifully sketched example of the barbarism of families. It is such a beautifully drawn sketch of the behaviour of siblings, and the subsequent behaviour of their partners, that when the lights came up for interval the woman in front of me blurted out to her companions – “That’s just like my family”!
The subject matter is confronting. Every family has to deal with the effects of a loved one dying and the hole it leaves in their lives. Healing is at the forefront of the way this play evolves and it will leave you with a little bit of a heartache and a whole lot of love. Also, there are questions about love, morality, relationships, commitment, you know all the things we all have to deal with every day. But the good-natured truth of the writing makes us laugh, wince, cry and admit that we are all just a little bit bitchy at heart but no matter what we love our family.
Dora Stamos’ Jess is conflicted, defiant and just a little bit controlling as the older sister, Amanda Grifsas’ Celia is the perfect epitome of the youngest spoilt brat, and Melissa Moon as Amy was so convincing as the hard-done-by middle sister it left me wondering just how much was real and how much was acting! These three women worked very well together and were compelling and convincing in their portrayal of a needs-driven sibling rivalry. They have a scene together on the dock that is one of those moments in theatre that leave a lasting impression.
Christian Dewar’s Fred was all heart. The audience warmed to him instantly, and he was both funny, incisive and emotionally forthright from his first entrance – and the trousers are worth the price of a ticket. Josh van’t Padje’s character Josh was at once henpecked and petulant and one almost felt sorry for him; I did say almost. He had to deal with Amy (Melissa Moon) and her almost tireless commitment to spoiling everything for everyone – you really should go see it! Nathan Brown as Hunter was a joy of a performance. His free-spirited character challenges everything and everyone and is the catalyst for change the sisters need to break a cycle of repeated compliance to the life they have been forced to lead to survive.
Kym Clayton’s direction is sensitive and, at times, comfortingly direct. His observation of family is honest, transparent and everyone has experienced, at least once, the way the family dynamic effects the family get-together. Also Clayton’s set design, in collaboration with Trisha Graham, is the perfect playground for this family drama to play out. The attention to detail is excellent. James Allenby’ lighting design is sensitive to the requirements of the work but if there’s a dark spot you can trust any actor worth their salt to find it! Costumes and hair and make-up were excellent; a testament to the work of Sam Tutty and Kathryn Stephens.
Incidentally, there was no accent coach listed on the programme… and the American accents were excellent.
It is always a real joy to be surprised by a piece of work you had no previous knowledge of. I shall be looking out for more plays by Melissa Ross and looking forward to more work from Galleon Theatre Group.
Congratulations, Kym Clayton and the cast and crew of Galleon Theatre – Of Good Stock is a great night out at the theatre.
Reviewed by Adrian Barnes
Photo credit: supplied
Venue: Domain Theatre, Marion Cultural Centre
Season: Until 11 May, 2024
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes (approx.) including interval
Tickets: Full $28, Group of 6 $26 per person, Concession: $25 (pensioners, seniors, and students)
Bookings: https://www.galleon.org.au/html/bookings.html
