The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of... the Scottish Play

Typical. My first review in ages and some newcomer called Gordon beats me to it. No pies in the face? Really, Gordon? Did you see the same play I did? Yes, there was one very juicy pie in (Don Lee's) face, and plenty more slapstick besides. If you know what to expect, or can switch your brain into 'silly mode' (y'know, like when you're watching Monty Python, or any politicians on TV), then you'll have great fun at a Farndale show. As Gordon quite correctly pointed out, this sort of production is extremely difficult to stage effectively. Kwinana Theatre Workshop, director Paul Treasure, and his cast & crew made a jolly good show of it! Mel Sklenars was great as the huffy prima donna -- her performance resonating, I'm sure, with anyone who's experienced that type of performer. On the other end of the spectrum, Penny Ramsell was also a joy to watch as the administrative Mrs Reece, who was forced to stand in for several roles, and did so with all the acting commitment of someone serving morning tea ("More cucumber sandwiches, vicar?). I enjoyed Don Lee as handyman Henry, forced to play Lady McScottish-Play -- enjoying it far too much (beyond initial resistance) yet needing regular prompts. Pear, as always, is master of the double-take and generated my favourite sight gag when he found himself trapped on stage between some flats. The witches were a little difficult to understand, I'm afraid, and could have done with slowing their delivery slightly. However, the three actresses performed admirably in their alternative roles. Kharlee Hamel became progressively more disgruntled as she became progressively more injured. "I'll catch up!" may have been my favourite line of the night. Pam Brown effectively channeled Velma, frequently and amusingly losing her glasses. Claire Ashcroft's Felicity really seemed to be trying to make a stirling go of it all despite the mounting chaos around her. (She was also very cute, but then the director told me how old she is, so I'm not allowed to say that any more.) Rach Hayter joined in for some 'exemplary' sword fighting and the least-terrifying but most-terrified ghost since Patrick Swayze. (Too soon?) Rounding out the cast was Mark Thompson. Well, the programme said "Mark Thompson" but it was pretty obvious that it was Jeff Watkins. The predilection for getting into drag merely confirmed the fact. Excellent delivery and command of the audience's attention. In fact, the worst aspect of the production was the utterly boorish behaviour of some of the audience members. Just because a line or two is directed at the audience, doesn't automatically mean it's an interactive show. You're not sitting at home, slouched in front of the idiot box, swilling beers and filling your Depends (C) because you're too lazy to visit the rest room. Shut the f*ck up and let the performers get on with the show. Apart from that disappointing distraction it was a fun show. Nothing profound but worth a viewing. It's a bit late now, 'coz there's only one night left, but if you're free tonight and fancy a laugh -- head down to Kwinana (less than half an hour from the city).