Maitland Repertory Theatre

You want gore? You got it. You want action packed fight scenes? You got it. You want monologues that will move you to tears? Right here.

Reamus Theatre’s Lord of the Flies is a gripping rendition of William Golding’s classic tale. Set on a deserted island during the 1950s, a group of school children find themselves stranded after their plane goes down during an evacuation attempt. It is a cautionary tale of what mankind can become if modern democracy, rationality, and compassion are abandoned.

It was clear that a lot of consideration went into the staging of this production. There was a need to create at least six different locations within the small stage, often with all twelve cast members on stage at the same time. Thoughtful planning of levels and ramps, as well as creative stage entrances/exits, allowed multiple locations to be on stage at the one time (an aesthetically fitting bonus was that the ramp between the levels was made by creating an aeroplane wing!).

The audience was made to feel the drama quite intensely too thanks to the thrust stage, with some of the more physical fight scenes being done right in front of the first-row audience.

The success of the staging was aided greatly by thoughtful lighting choices, with spotlights helping to clearly define different locations on the stage. Red and blue lights were used symbolically throughout the performances, and lighting was also employed to shift the scene between day and night. Sound design was also used to help transition from day to night, and all sound cues in this performance were executed with perfect timing.

Furthermore a lot can be said about the costumes in this production. As the characters stayed on the island, their clothes became more and more raggedy and discolored. The costume degradation was subtle yet severe and created a very convincing illusion of time passing. The props and fake blood were also incredibly realistic leaving the audience disgustingly impressed by the actors comfort with the gore of it all.

The cast of twelve performed this play adaptation with passion, zeal and – some more than others – with an almost crazed look in their eye. The energy of the entire cast was felt by the audience, as well as their joy from performing the play.

Although each performer stood out in their own right, I do want to make a few specific mentions of great performances. Robert Joey McKinnon presented a delightfully physical Henry, who’s actions made the audience laugh even during the darker moments of the play. Jace Pickard provided a crazed determination and strong vocal projection for this production’s Jack. Likewise, Hannah Richens’ Roger was a force to be reckoned with, and Bronte Fegan delivered Piggy’s final monologues heartbreakingly. 

But the most intense and moving scene was the final.  Lead actor and co-director Thomas Henry showcased his talent through Ralph’s final moments of the play. Although I am tempted to say more about Thomas Henry’s performance during the latter half of act two, words would not do justice and I will instead encourage – no, URGE – you to experience it yourself.

This production of Lord of the Flies was an absolute pleasure to watch. Kill the pig, spill it’s blood, catch this show! With only two more sessions remaining please get buzzing and book your tickets now.

• Friday 16 June 2023 – 8:00 PM
• Saturday 17 June 2023 – 8:00 PM

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