The breezy caricature of Sharon Millerchip, dressed in nightclub attire, swinging hands free from a barstool with long hair flowing seductively, that graces the front cover of the theatre program, is representative of the vibrancy of this wonderful performer.

Millerchip is an actress who is always up for a challenge, like playing multiple characters, and, in particular, playing women who live life on the edge. Last January she played three stressed out women in Neil Simon’s classic comedy, THE LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS; pushy Elaine, kooky Bobbi and depressive Jeanette.

In the Ensemble’s current revival of Joanna Murray-Smith’s six super sharp monologues which make up BOMBSHELLS, Millerchip doubles the load, playing six angst ridden women. She carries it off with panache.

In a whirlwind two hours Sharon morphs into suburban mum of three Merryl, abandoned wife and cactus aficionado Tiggy, teenage talent quest competitor Mary, anxious bride to be Theresa, bored widow and volunteer worker Winsome and sloshed cabaret singer Zoe. The only support she receives is from pianist Lindsay Partridge who unexpectedly appears in the final piece to accompany her character’s zany antics.

A note of caution, Sharon…don’t raise the bar too high. Remember what happened to our own Steve Hooker at the recent London Olympics. With a talent like yours, we don’t want you to start getting the yips. Brilliantly playing six very different females imploding on stage every night is achievement enough, and the well deserved ovations are proof positive of this.

Sandra Bates’ production of Joanna Murray-Smith’s BOMBSHELLS opened at the Ensemble Theatre on Wednesday 20th March and plays until Saturday April 13, 2013.

© David Kary

29th March, 2013

Tags: Sydney Stage Reviews- BOMBSHELLS, Joanna Murray-Smith, Sharon Millerchip, Ensemble Theatre, Sandra Bates, Steve Lunam, Sydney Arts Guide, David Kary