Theatre - Whats The Show

Mother and Son: Presented By Hunters Hill Theatre

23 November 2024 From The Front Row

Mother and Son Hunters Hill Theatre Rating

★★★★★

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Mother and Son, a masterful stage adaptation of the beloved 1984-1994 TV show, opens in a stereotypical living room of a household that’s been lived in for 50 years.

Maggie, an elderly woman, precariously balances on a ladder, struggling to change a lightbulb. Before disaster strikes, her son Arthur returns home, reminding her with a mixture of exasperation and affection that he had already taken care of it earlier. This seemingly trivial exchange sets the tone for a play that deftly balances humor with the emotional weight of caring for a loved one with dementia.

From the outset, it’s clear that the mother and both sons casting is impeccable. The chemistry between mother and son, be it the eldest – Arthur, or youngest, Robert, and between the two brothers themselves, is nothing short of magical. The family dynamic is all too relatable, with one son being the favourite, despite never actually doing anything to help, while the other being the unsung hero, living with the mother and dealing with the every day, only to feel guilty to take some time for himself. It’s a dynamic many families will recognize, and it provides plenty of comedic moments laced with tenderness.

The script shines with authenticity, navigating the fine line between comedy and drama. The humor is sharp and relatable, never diminishing the emotional gravity of the situation. The everyday absurdities of caring for an elderly parent are captured brilliantly, from Arthur’s constant guilt to the quirky moments of Maggie’s fading memory. One particularly hilarious and universally relatable touch is the series of voicemail messages left by telemarketers on Maggie’s answering machine, offering everything from cheap electricity deals to vitamins — these clever scene change breaks are both funny and poignant, capturing the absurdity of modern life while highlighting the isolation of the elderly.

The direction is flawless, creating a space where the audience feels like they’re watching their own family dynamics unfold. In dealing with such a delicate subject as dementia and caregiving, the production manages to be both respectful and remarkably entertaining. The adaptation, transitioning seamlessly from television to stage, introduces the beloved characters to a new generation while allowing long-time fans to relive the magic.

As the curtain falls, you are left wanting more. Is there a sequel? I already forgot.

To book tickets to Mother and Son, please visit https://www.huntershilltheatre.com.au/

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

From The Front Row

First Things First

24 November 202423 November 2024 Cherelle

First Things First Rating

★★★★★

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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/

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

Cherelle

The Wolves present: Marooned

21 November 2024 Amanda Lee Starkey

Marooned Rating

★★★★★

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The lights go up to illuminate a minimalistic stage with clouds floating on a screen behind, as we are introduced to our cast of characters.

We are in a waiting room of sorts; perhaps it’s purgatory, or it may be a processing room, but as the scene unfolds, we eventually learn it’s a room for those that have failed at committing suicide.

As we meet our nameless characters, from our antagonist, known only as 379, to our young peacemaker 134, businessman 1620, and the only woman 786, through a series of conversations, we slowly learn what has brought each person to this space.

Whether it is a failed life, illness, divorce, sexuality, or just uncertainty, we learn about the insights of each character. Like an overripe onion, layers are slowly peeled away to reveal the deep personal pain and the lessons each character must learn.

Each character must face their demons in the hostile space that is this waiting room, deciding whether they want to live or die. They begin by being in denial of the ending of their lives, as they share their stories we see their humanity evolve, and we begin to see regret, heartbreak and pain in each person. It’s compelling to watch as we learn of the struggles of each individual.

The play delves into some very deep issues of the human psyche and explores them on a level that is thought-provoking and compelling.

As we learn of each character’s complexities it’s hard to decide how to feel about each person and their journey to this space. Each character comes from a diverse background and each has unique reasons for being in the waiting room.

The play is a powerful exploration of a serious topic and it is unafraid to explore such a complex subject. However, it is done in a manner that is provocative and emotional. Each actor brings a rawness to the performance, and all of them are exceptional in their respective roles.

Marooned is a piece of theatre that will leave you feeling a little shocked, rattled and is an exceptional piece of work that is an absolute must see for all lovers of the arts.

To book tickets to Marooned, please visit https://alextheatre.au/marooned/

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

Amanda Lee Starkey

Crimson Gully

21 November 2024 Manuela Kacomanolis

Crimson Gully Rating

★★★★★

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Powerful and engrossing, Crimson Gully is a brilliantly written play by Sreekanth Gopalakrishnan.

Set in the 1990s, the story centres on a brothel within the fictitious town of Chandapur in India.

Crimson Gully, which translates to Red Light Street, shines a light on the prostitution industry, forcing the audience to look beyond the societal labels associated with the women in the brothel and see them as individuals with complex lives, aspirations and personal battles.

The play opens with the young and popular worker, Muskaan, performing a traditional South Asian dance known as Mujra to the clients.

Having born and grown up in the brothel, Muskaan accepted her fate and circumstances long ago but she does not see herself as a victim but rather a person who unlike the other girls, has chosen to remain in the brothel. However, deep inside she longs for another life but does not believe she is worthy of it.

Then there is Champa, who did all the things that society expected of her as a woman. She met a man, got married and had a child but lost it all when her husband died and she was left cleaning up the destruction and financial mess he left behind. Without any education or qualifications, she finds herself in the brothel, the only way she knows how to make a living.

The young and innocent Mansi, from a seemingly good family, shows the viewers how girls like her end up in the brothel through no choice of her own. Much like Champa’s situation, it also proves that marriage is not always the answer to a attaining a better life.

Jamuna, the eldest, having spent most of her life in the brothel, now just serves as the caretaker and cook.

Taai is the madam of the brothel. Initially, viewers may think of her as a villain but as the story evolves it’s clear that she is as much of a victim as the rest of the women, trapped in her circumstances and in many ways acts as their protector.

It is the few people at the top driven by greed and power, in this instance all men, that keep the women trapped in their unfortunate circumstances and other men in line. The simmering tensions build up to a dramatic climax that does not disappoint.

Gopalakrishnan, who also designed and directed Crimson Gully, does not shy away from bringing to the forefront weighty topics such as political corruption, human trafficking, misogyny, and poverty and how they are all interconnected.

Inspired by the DW documentary India’s Prostitution Village, Gopalakrishnan provides a realistic account of the industry. It is a story which could take place in any culture and in any country but the elements of greed and corruption remain the same. Crimson Gully provides an insight into how corruption from the top can trickle down and poison society as a whole.

The Great Indian Theatre Company brings the story to life, with all cast members delivering solid and powerful performances. Crimson Gully is not to be missed.

Photographer: Albert Antony Roy

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

Manuela Kacomanolis

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