When Geoffrey Chaucer published The Canterbury Tales in the 14th century, it’s unlikely he envisioned that a wig would take on a character of its own. Considering he is the father of English literature, he probably didn’t imagine a dream dance sequence featuring the Macarena either. But that’s part of the charm when a classic is reimagined into a modern comedy.
The sheer joy of community theatre not only encourages poetic licence, but it thrives on unhinged creativity, especially when it’s a production put on by the Garrick Theatre Club, Perth’s longest-running community theatre. Directed by Gail Lusted, she carefully selected a large cast that included a mix of seasoned and up-and-coming actors. Not only does the introduction of young actors from Teens at Garrick (TAG) breathe fresh life into this centuries-old classic, but it also exposes them to the techniques of the veterans, as evident from those who have evolved into seasoned performers in this production.
This adaptation by Lindsay Price of Chaucer’s anthology roughly follows the original storyline, where a group of pilgrims travelling from London to Canterbury hold a storytelling contest to pass the time while on the road. Put aside any preconceived ideas if you made it to the end while studying this voluminous classic at school. The rules have been blissfully bent for this interpretation, and regardless of whether you’re a thespian or an audience member, it’s impossible not to delight in the unexpected during this high-energy romp.
Exploring the themes of love, greed, jealousy, patience, betrayal and death through their storytelling, the mishmash of pilgrims form a dysfunctional family as they make their arduous journey.
All seven pilgrims deliver outstanding performances and include The Prioress (Carol Young), The Miller (Jason Robert Lester), The Reeve (Kristine Lockwood), Wife of Bath/Bertha (Ali Louise), The Franklin/Allison (Paris Jenner), The Cook (Juliette Patricia Botha) and The Pardoner (Peter Neaves).
If you’re a fan of the Garrick, you might recognise some of the cast from other productions, including Poe, Dreams of Madness. As each pilgrim acts out a story, the cast’s versatility is impressive as they play multiple roles and genders, while seamlessly transforming on stage or backstage in the blink of an eye, thanks to their clever costuming, props and characterisation.
Much like a drummer in a band, Hostess Erin Shay Horrigan (almost) keeps the raucous cast in line through her cheeky narration.
The equally talented acting troupe features Angus Le Cornu-Brown (Maude/Mary), Catherine Smith (Fox/Joanne), Ender Holt (King shared with Benny/Harold], Zane Holt (Absalon/Simekin/Jacob), Will Afanasiew (Astrologer), Piper Gibson (Dame Pertelote/Allain/Aurelius), Benny Peter Jordan (King shared with Ender), Olivia Keary (Dorigen/Agnes), Kaiden Breen (Chaunticleer), James Scully (Nicholas/Knight), Freda McColgan (Queen/Eveline), Riley Thomas (Auiragus/Waitress) and Eden Flynn–Radcliffe (Hilda/Eve/Aueline).
There wouldn’t be a production without a dedicated crew working tirelessly behind the scenes, that includes Eden Flynn-Radcliffe (Assistant Director/Choreographer and Props Manager), Chelsea Knight (Mentor Stage Manager), Isabella Melbin (Trainee Stage Manager), Virginia Moore-Price (Lighting Design/Bio Box Operator), Connor Barclay (Apprentice Lighting and Sound Operator), Ricky Penrose and Ian Lusted (Stage Crew) and Evelyn Holt (Costume/Wardrobe).
Keep a special eye out for the innovative set design, which features subtle changes between scenes, thanks to Paris Jenner and her set design and construction crew, which includes Ali Louise, Jack Pinder, Breanna Cooke, Ian Lusted, Piper Gibson, Eden Flynn-Radcliffe and other TAG members.
Established in 1932, The Garrick Theatre Club continues to entertain with its year-round performances, accompanied by complimentary tipples, snacks and old-world charm.
Canterbury Tales runs August 1st, 2nd, *3rd, 8th, 9th, *10th, 14th, 15th and 16th , evening shows at 7.30pm and *matinees at 2.00pm
Tickets: under 18s $15, Members $22, Concession $23, Adult $28
Book: https://garricktheatre.com.au/shows/
To book tickets to The Canterbury Tales, please visit https://www.taztix.com.au/event/garricktheatre/.
