Maitland Repertory Theatre

First Things First…. I loved the play. Maitland Repertory Theatre has brought to the stage an enthralling comedic performance with a group of very talented actors.

The stage was set as a comfortable living room, practical and well dispersed for audience interaction. The audience is immersed into the crazy antics of the night’s unfolding drama, which all takes place in the living room of Pete and Sarah’s home.

The idiom “Oh, What a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive“ rings loud, clear and undeniably true as the predominant theme in “First Things First.” We witness the very anxious, escalating to frantic main character, Pete, played by Matt Scoles, squirming his way through lie after lie in a very sticky delicate dilemma. How does one handle their supposedly dead wife spontaneously returning when you have recently remarried a new wife, who knows nothing of the previous marriage?

Well…our main character Pete handles it deplorably! Matt Scoles gave a fabulous expressive character portrayal with top notch comedic timing. He had the audience in his hands the entire night willing him to confess and put an end to the spiraling chaos. Louise Cowan gave a splendid portrayal of Sarah, Pete’s ‘new wife,’ She was ‘on key’ for the role of a timid, attention-seeking, needy wife.

The gorgeous long lost wife of Pete, Jessica, who is responsible for creating all the mayhem and chaos was performed tremendously by Jessica Gray. Jessica brings her own unfolding drama, mystery and surprises to the stage.

Devoted and loyal to Pete’s side and to his ludicrous spinning web of lies, is his best friend George played by Tez Tywal. This is the second time I’ve had the pleasure of watching Tez Tywal perform and I love the natural humorous energy and vibrance he brings to the stage.

A solid and perfectly composed professional performance by Jane Johns who played Margot, the doting and ever inquisitive mother of Sarah. Her skepticism towards her son in law is unwavering and rightly so.

And then there was Alan… who entered in the 2nd half at a time when we thought things couldn’t possibly get any more complicated. But they certainly did! A very enjoyable performance by Matt Robinson who plays the hilarious role of Jessica’s secret French lover. Matt skillfully had the audience in hysterics.

First Things First was a highly engaging and very enjoyable performance from a group of impressive skilled actors. Thoroughly recommended for couples and friends who are after a night full of laughter and great entertainment.

First Things First is running at the Maitland Repertory Theatre from November 20 to December 8, 2024.

To book tickets to First Things First, please visit https://www.mrt.org.au/2024-plays/first-things-first/

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