Arts

Theatre Review: Season’s Greetings

Season’s Greetings: a family gathers for four days of Christmas festivities, which rapidly disintegrate into attempted adultery, attempted murder and attempted puppetry!

Presented by Galleon Theatre Group
Reviewed 2 Nov 2017

Alan Ayckbourn is an always reliable choice for a community theatre group, writing, as he does, gently comedic observations of human relationships, family and social conventions.

Season’s Greetings, a work from 1980 is no exception. In a middle-class house in England, a family gathers for four days of Christmas festivities, which rapidly disintegrate into attempted adultery, attempted murder and attempted puppetry!

Director Kym Clayton has gathered a stellar cast for this production, and has given them enough, solid direction, yet allowed these experienced actors to play. The resulting ensemble work speaks volumes for this intelligent approach.

The almost compulsory Brian Godfrey is perfectly cast as the bumbling Bernard and his puppet-show scene is one of the highlights of the show. He just needs to tighten the delivery of some of his lines. Joanne St Clair as his wife Phyllis more than holds her own, with her skills shining through in a very realistic portrayal of “tipsy”. Mari Nield and Scott Battersby play off each other superbly as bickering couple Belinda and Neville. Battersby is particularly adept at the throwaway line. Lindsay Dunn gives full throttle to the pugilistic Harvey, showing some moments of comedic brilliance. Adrian Heness and Charlotte Batty as Eddie and Pattie deliver both comedy and pathos in their roles. Maxine Grubel is, as always, a strong presence on stage as Rachel, and Simon Lancione puts in a fine night’s work as Clive.

There is some difficult timing in this piece, with many, over-lapping conversations. For the most part, the cast do incredibly well with this, but it could be tightened in places.

Clayton has not only directed a terrific production, but also designed the set, which works exceedingly well and is pleasing to the eye.

This is a truly enjoyable night in the theatre: very, very funny, touching in parts, and delivered by a cast which never lets up the pace. And many of the audience members on opening night recognized their own family Christmas in the mayhem on stage!

Reviewed by Tracey Korsten
Twitter: @TraceyKorsten

Disclaimer: Brian Godfrey is the Arts Editor of Glam Adelaide

Venue: Domain Theatre, Marion

Season: Until 11 Nov 2017

Duration: 2.5 hours (including interval)

Tickets: $24; $20 concession (Pensioners and Seniors)

Bookings: INTERNET – to pay by card – Go to ONLINE BOOKINGS
E-MAIL – leave us a message at [email protected]
PHONE – telephone our Booking Officer (Joy or Allan) on 0437-609-577
Cabaret Seating – If you require Cabaret Seating please request when booking.

https://www.galleon.org.au/html/index.html

 

More News

To Top