It’s rare to get a double bill in the Sydney theatre scene so I looked forward to seeing the Company Of Rogues two shows.

Sophia Simmons  play GRAVITY GUTS, directed by Erica Lovell, was the stronger of the two pieces.

Simmons play tells the story  of a vivacious young woman battling here demons, especially her relationship with her alcoholic father.

The play comes across very strongly as a result of Emily McKnight’s excellent performance as the dreamy, quirky Sophia who knew from when she was very young that she wanted to be an astronaut. McKnight was helped on stage by a group of young woman who acted as a kind of chorus as well as being a sounding board for her feelings.

The piece went for about fifty minutes and was  fast paced, colourful and highly entertaining.

After a fifteen minute interval we went back inside to see Peter Maple’s play GINGER. BLACK.BRUNETTE. BLONDE.

This was a more difficult, less accessible piece. It tells the story of Sarah,  a young woman who is grieving her mother who passed away prematurely. Emily McKnight again impressed in the leading role.

Sarah  tries to work through her grief with her sister  but not very successfully. Her sister has her own battles as she suffers from cancer and has lost all her hair as a result of her chemo treatment.

The play features a young woman who talks to us (the audience) whilst she is having her hair done. For the life of me I could not work out what her relationship was with the two sisters.  It was a frustrating experience. I know that I am not the ‘sharpest tool in the shed’ but surely the play could have been clearer.

The Company of Rogues double bill is playing Fringe HQ, 24 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross until Saturday 19th  October with performances Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8pm.

Bookings: www.sydneyfringe.com/fringehq/whats-on and www.companyrogues.com

Featured image : A scene  from Sophia Simmons play GRAVITY GUTS