Somewhere in our bent-over-laughing pavement debrief my hysterical friend and I decided that siblings really are divided into Kyles and Hamiltons. She being the youngest of 4 girls is a Kyle and my dopey brother is a Kyle. I am definitely more of a Hamilton.
We had, you see, just enjoyed THE BEST BROTHERS at Old 505 theatre and we were lurching along the street histrionically laughing out loud. It’s OK , it’s Newtown, none cares. Luckily. Because it may happen to you too. This is a cracker of a production and destined to sell out so get your tickets ASAP because the show is as dry, warm and loving as a pooch by the fire yet oddly hilarious and witty.
Their poor, eccentric mum has carked it. We have all got them, the weird relation who refuses to go with dignity and style, instead creating a huge fuss and turmoil for those around. Best brothers Kyle and Hamilton’s mum is one such. She has managed to expire under rather unique circumstances at a Gay Pride Rally and the boys have to pull together to do all the after extravagant death organization shit. They have never really been able to do stuff together so it’s a testing time when opposites clash and the petty, and not so petty, grievances of childhood rise screaming and kicking to the surface.
A two hander, this is a marvellous script by living legend and one of Canada’s favourite sons, Daniel MacIvor. While desperately funny in places, the text also gives space for the expression of loss and grief. And as directed by Gareth Boylan, the audience completely relates to the brothers’ frustration with each other. It’s a struggle during the obituary scene not to call out little pieces of helpful advice. Or maybe that’s just the Hamilton in me.
But Kyle or Hamilton, many of us could see the where events were heading and we were nudging the people near us or groaning and covering our eyes. And there is time to enjoy the silliness as the direction makes the most wonderful use of silence and thought. The quiet, still, almost pensive moments are actually some of the most hilarious instants in the production. Mainly due to the performances of the two cast members.
Kyle (Sean Lynch) and Hamilton (Johann Walraven) are terrific as the rival brothers. We can see the similarities between them from the off but they diverge so well. They each evoke that invisible siblingness … a knowledge of each other, an unsaid protectiveness and unacknowledged love. They have great rapport and Lynch’s brilliant wide-eyed gormlessness is perfectly played against Walraven’s teeth gritted, repressive anger. Stellar performances from two brilliant comic actors.
A terrific show for a Kyle, a Hamilton or a dog lover. If you are the latter take tissues … just sayin!
THE BEST BROTHERS continues at Od 505, 5 Eliza Street Newtown until 30th April.