Bronwyn Fullerton

UNQUALIFIED 2 : STILL UNQUALIFIED : A DARN GOOD SHOW

Catherine Moore and Genevieve Hegney_Pic Prudence Upton
Genevieve Hegney and Catherine Moore. Pic Prudence Upton
Genevieve Hegney and Catherine Moore Pic Prudence Upton

In 2018, the hugely talented Genevieve Hegney and Catherine Moore co-wrote and performed their first comedy show Unqualified at the Ensemble Theatre.  It was refreshingly enjoyable and received glowing reviews.

After years of Covid setbacks affecting theatre and travel, Hegney and Moore are back with their 2022 sequel.  The unqualified, daring ladies of multiple trades – Joanne Trubody and Felicity Bacon – are back.

Now living together and with a new office, they are the only clients who work in their temp employment agency so they take every job that comes in;  ‘Birth Doulas’ (hopefully helping out women in labour), ill informed art gallery tour guides, paralegals fumbling in court, long distance truck drivers, wedding planners and more.  

Their scenes are short and hilarious, timing and movement impeccably synchronised, script sharp and witty.  Whilst moving into their new premises,  old family diaries are found – adding insight into the real lives of Joanne and Felicity.

Director of both Unqualified productions is Janine Watson. She has done a fabulous job with this multi-scene play – bringing out the eclectic fast pace and humour.

During several scenes, clever video projections, designed by Morgan Moroney, play behind them, enhancing the atmosphere of their new jobs.

Hugh O’Connor achieves a workable minimalist set and clever, amusing costume changes.  Daryl Wallis blends his composing and sound design in well with the production.

Often talked about on radio, the charm of live theatre is improvisational skills when things go wrong.  The wonderful and complex lighting design by Kelsey Lee was behaving badly as computers often do.  There was a 30 minute break on opening night which the audience accepted brilliantly.  Drinks and water in paper cups were handed around.  The show resumed without another hitch.

I urge you to see UNQUALIFIED 2:  STILL UNQUALIFIED for its sheer ingenuity and ability to make us laugh and laugh constantly.  It runs at the Ensemble Theatre until the 4th of June, 2022.

Production photography by Prudence Upton

Published by Bronwyn Fullerton

Bronwyn Fullerton worked as an actress and singer for over 20 years after training with Hayes Gordon at The Ensemble Theatre Studios in Sydney in the 70s. She has worked for The Ensemble Theatre, Stables Theatre, Griffin Theatre Company, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Festival, Theatre-in-Education touring, Rocks Theatre at The Sailor’s Home, Balmain Loft, North Coast Theatre Co., Giniby Theatre Co., Bondi Pavilion Theatre and two years with the Marionette Theatre of Australia, including a tour from Alice Springs to Arnhem Land. As well as Film and Television (Chopper Squad) and Voice Overs, Bronwyn worked for the Gate Theatre Club in London and studied mime in Paris. She now teaches ESL English to foreign students and completed a Post-Grad in Film & Video at UTS in 2009/10.