There has been a female version of Neil Simon’s THE ODD COUPLE but I have to admit to never expecting there would be a female version of David Williamson’s THE CLUB, the last show for the year in Belvoir’s 25A season of plays.
The world of THE CLUB, the inside workings of a major Aussie Rules team, is very much a macho, male dominated world. It was exciting to see just three talented actresses satirise and parody traditional male roles with the associated posturing and mannerisms.
Jude Henshall played the characters club president Ted and ex champion player and former coach Jock, Louisa Mignone played administrator Gerry and new team recruit Geoff, and Ellen Steele was embattled team coach Laurie and captain and veteran of the team Danny.
It was fun watching the actors change characters at high speed by donning wigs that came down from cables in the ceiling. The wigs had clips stuck to them to allow for easy uptake and removal.
The costumes were true to the period, the 1970’s. The set comprised a coat stand, a table and five chairs, 2 black folders, a trolley with a football and some glasses, six photos of players/club identities on the wall, a stool and a chair on castors.
The show, well directed by Tessa Leong, was played out at a very quick pace. Act 1 zings along as does the shorter Act 2 which has more than a few surprises. The humour that was in the original script is still there with added colour and vibrancy.
Well worth seeing, a isthisyours? theatre company production, THE CLUB is playing downstairs at Belvoir Street Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills until 22 December 2018. THE CLUB will be receiving a mainstream production mid next year via the State Theatre Company of South Australia.
