The Wee Small Hours: a serious mix of comedy and food for thought

A gentle comedy comes to Melville Theatre this December, looking at what can happen when an unexpected family reunion takes place. Written by WA playwright Alice Dale and directed by Stuart Riches, The Wee Small Hours focuses on the complications that unfold when two sisters re-unite in Perth. A sister arrives from Glasgow – and a variety of romances, affairs and regret-filled pasts come to light. Riches previously directed the play for another theatre and enjoyed it so much, he decided to do it again. “It’s a light-hearted look at a serious side of life,” he said. “The play is good fun and makes one think. “The sister from Glasgow, Nan, doesn’t know that Sara had an affair with an actor 17 years ago which resulted in a child which was adopted out. “Despite this serious storyline, there are some hilarious exchanges.” Involved in theatre for 60 years in the UK, Sydney and Perth, Riches has performed in an extensive variety of shows over the years. He has been with Melville Theatre since its second production in1982 and has also performed with Harbour, Stirling and Phoenix Theatres. “My biggest challenge with The Wee Small Hours was finding an actress with an authentic Scottish accent,” Riches said. “One of the other challenges is the amount of props – for a play with four actors, there is a lot of them.” The Wee Small Hours plays at 8pm, December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 with a 2pm matinee on December 5. Tickets are $17, $13 concession. Book on 9330 4565 or email melville.theatre.company@gmail.com. Melville Theatre is on the corner of Stock Road and Canning Highway, Palmyra. More information is available at www.meltheco.org.au.