FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS by Allan Ball is a highly entertaining play cleverly weaving comedy with serious discussions of social and moral issues.

Five bridesmaids with little in common accept antipathy for the bride and dreadful, absurd purple dresses and hats, gather together in a bedroom to avoid the wedding reception.

Here, each with their own reasons for escaping the proceedings, has the chance to reveal more of themselves, their past, their beliefs, prejudices and hopes. Aided by the effects of alcohol some very funny incidents occur as relationships and issues in society are explored in some very witty dialogue.

The play is set in 1992 in Knoxville, Tennessee and it is just as relevant today as then. The show has been produced by Act IV,  a female-run theatre company who wish to explore and celebrate stories about being a woman. The four founding members are all actors in the play.

The bridesmaids have highly individual characters and under the direction of Deborah Jones each has the opportunity to display these personalities whilst cleverly weaving the stories together with wonderfully humorous effects.

There is Frances played by Chloe McKenzie, a very naïve, sweet but overly strict “Christian” who slowly unfolds her wings as the play progresses as she seeks her vision of true love.

Meredith, portrayed with great feeling by Kaitlin DeLacy, is the bride’s younger sister whose rebelliousness hides a dark secret.

Eleanor Ryan sparkles as Mindy, the joyful, joke-telling lesbian sister of the groom.

Wendy Winkler as Georgeanne, the bride’s “ugly sidekick” in middle school, pours out the disillusion over her disastrous marriage with some startling behaviour.

Trish, played by Melinda Ryan, is the cynical member of the company in regards to men and who has a “reputation”.

Her ideas are questioned when Tripp, played by Nadim Accari, an usher & the only male in the play, arrives with more to him than she believes is possible.

One cannot go past the excellent costume design by Gloria Bava.

The set, designed by Tristan Carey, provides an intimate location for the women to play out their roles but with its different spaces also allows for a sense of movement and action.

See this powerful yet fun play , presented by a talented troupe of players, before it closes

Enjoy a powerful yet fun play presented by talented troupe of performers, playing at the Tap Gallery, 278 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst until Sunday 2nd November.