The Appleton Ladies Potato Race premiered at Hunters Hill Theatre earlier this month and has viewers take a trip to the rural town of Appleton.
The play, inspired by actual events, follows the return of city-trained doctor Penny to her rural hometown just in time for the annual potato race. The yearly potato race is the backdrop for an entertaining and thought-provoking tale.
The narrative centres around the return of city-trained doctor Penny (played by Caroline Lloyd) to her quaint rural hometown just in time for the much-anticipated potato race. However, the atmosphere takes a turn when Penny uncovers a startling disparity in the prize money – $1000 for men and $200 for women. The Appleton Ladies Potato Race shows Penny’s journey as she navigates small-town politics and challenges the status quo in her pursuit of justice.
The cast’s performances are nothing short of commendable. I felt the character of Nikki (played by Tonia Davis) captured the essence of rural life and was a standout performance. Caroline Lloyd as Penny perfectly blended city sophistication and small-town charm. The supporting cast also added some humour and authenticity to the play. As an ensemble, I think all the cast worked well together to keep us engaged.
Jennifer Willison was the director and really nailed getting to the characters’ hearts while keeping with the comedic elements. The set design echoes the charm of a small town with a beautiful backdrop and complementary sound design.
This play is a must-see for great storytelling and performance. It is successful in balancing entertainment with an exploration of societal issues. Bravo to the cast and crew for bringing this story to life on the stage. The Appleton Ladies Potato Race can be seen until December Third at Hunters Hill Theatre, so you better catch it while you can!
Remaining Sessions
- Friday 1st Dec, 7:30pm
- Saturday 2nd Dec, 2pm
- Saturday 2nd Dec, 7:30pm
- Sunday 3rd Dec, 2pm
Club Ryde, 728 Victoria Road, Ryde, 2112
This review also appears on It’s On The House, and check out more reviews at Dark Stories Theatre Reviews to see what else is on in your town.
