“There’s a new world that both compliments and conspires against our own – the digital world” says writer Paula Noble, describing a ‘key stroke’ for a very noble effort that opened at the Old Fitz last night. While Director Steven Tait hopes that “audiences leave the Old Fitzroy, not simply satisfied with an enjoyable theatrical experience, but with the basis for starting a new conversation with each other.”
As you’ll see in the program notes, Brad has relinquished a torturous relationship with control freak wife, Maggie and prompted by best friend ,Grub, ‘checks in’ on Facebook to find new relationships. He doesn’t have to wait long as Di, a rather ravishing and predatory (and attached) blonde bombshell ‘explodes’ on the scene looking for mischief, followed inevitably by her menacing, jealous husband who is actually not far of the mark, (literally when he tries to rearrange Brad’s face!) Rebecca, a young ‘old flame’ (also attached), who’s never really got over being rejected by Brad, returns for a second tilt, and jilt! But current wife Maggie hasn’t accepted separation either and moves back in to re-stake her claim (or maybe Brad’s heart?)
The writing is good. It bubbles along, or maybe tumbles along at a brisk pace with laughs a plenty and never a dull moment. There is a stumble in the second act when the entire cast is on stage and a crescendo is reached but then it seems to lose momentum before rising again. And then once more there’s a dip before the denouement. This is partly explained in the director’s note where he says he has given Yannick control over the final moments.
The cast are all good with stand out performances from Yannick Lawry as ‘ping pong ball’ Brad, batted between Imogen French as Di and the others. The others, Daniel Bunton as Grub, the friend you get when you need a real friend, Kate Englefield as Maggie, the wife you got when you were not paying attention, Celia Kelly as Rebecca, the old flame you thought you got rid of, and Andrew George as Gary, the jealous husband nightmare you just can’t wake up from, all held up their ends of this rather pleasing tapestry. I’m sure after a couple more performances they will all become more comfortable.
BRAD CHECKED IN at the Old Fitzroy Theatre on the third. Check it out before it checks out on Saturday 21st June!. Book online at www.sitco.net.au or phone 1300 307364.