The Puzzle sees the return of Williamson at his best. It is extremely funny and performed by an excellent cast
Presented by State Theatre Company South Australia
Reviewed 24 September 2024
Australia’s Living National Treasure of a playwright is back!!
50 years after being commissioned by the State Theatre South Australia to write The Department, David Williamson has now presented the company the world premiere of his latest work, the hilarious high seas hijinks of The Puzzle. This play marks the return of the old traditional Williamson that we all know and love. The Puzzle is almost in the Don’s Party vein but set on a cruise ship and without the political content.
Drew (Erik Thomson) has taken his daughter Cassie (Ahunim Abebe) on what he believes is a trip around the Mediterranean exploring its history. It is in fact a ‘Swingers’ cruise! We examine his relationship with his daughter, and that of two other couples (Chris Asimos and Anna Lindner and Nathan O’Keefe and Ansuya Nathan) who know exactly what they’re there for – albeit reluctantly on the part of at least one participant. The title, whilst seeming incongruous, is very apt for relationships, with jigsaw enthusiast Drew uttering one line of dialogue that sums up the whole theme perfectly: “When you’ve got the right piece, you’re in no doubt”.
Although set in the present, Director Shannon Rush and her production team have given the whole play a wonderful 80s vibe and a saucy Swedish sex romp feel (think the 80s Swedish sex comedy Bedroom Mazurka but with clothes on). Composer Andrew Howard has supplied a soundscape that could easily fit into any episode of Starsky and Hutch whilst being incredibly sexy. Designer Ailsa Paterson has created a marvellously vibrant ‘cruise ship’ set and decked it with gloriously bright costumes for the actors. Whilst keeping the fun and comedy very much alive and intact, Rush has her actors delivering very real personas and along with Williamson’s knack of writing believable characters, we can perhaps recognise someone we know in our own circle (perhaps even ourselves).
This cast is the perfect ensemble – it’s true, in this case at least, that the whole is indeed the sum of its parts. Thomson is absolutely wonderful as the somewhat innocent jigsaw puzzle addicted accountant trying to connect with daughter Cassie. His facial expressions are particularly good at delivering laughs. Playing his worldly-wise daughter, Abebe shines. She is bright, bubbly and clever. Her scene with Thomson where she is trying to explain to him the terms ‘swinger’ and ‘polyamorous’ is hilarious and very indicative of two generations trying to bridge the gap.
Lindner and Asimos portray the “hot” young couple perfectly. Lindner plays amorously bitchy well, with Asimos playing sexy Brian, who has a huge problem that most men would envy, hitting every character flaw with ease – and his dance moves are worth the price of admission alone. Ansuya Nathan is just so incredibly believable as Mandy, the very reluctant ‘swinger’ – we relate to her every word and nuance. This role would be so easy to go over the top with frustration and anger but her pitch is just right the entire time. O’Keefe as her very keen to participate husband (he’s done all the research required for ‘swinging’) carries the role off with his usual aplomb.
The Puzzle sees the return of Williamson at his best. It is extremely funny and performed by an excellent cast.
Boom-chikka-wah-wah!!
Reviewed by Brian Godfrey
Photo credit: Matt Byrne
Venue: Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: Until 12 Oct 2024
Duration: 2 hours including a 20 minute interval
Tickets: $39 – $95
Bookings: https://my.statetheatrecompany.com.au/overview/puzzle
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