Lady Windermere's Fan Club

I prepared the packed lunch and water bottle and took the trek out to Marloo last night to see their production of Lady Windermere's Fan. (Actually, it only took 20 minutes up Tonkin, Roe and GE Hwy's, so don't be put off by the presumed distance - 'though I really think you should do something about those potholes in the driveway, guys...)

Once again, I'll freely admit that I knew nothing about the play. I'm certainly no expert on Oscar Wilde, apart from the knowledge that he turns a nice phrase or two. Apparently, this is the first of the four comedies that Wilde wrote (Paul?) and, if I do say so myself, is packed with devastatingly wicked lines. The audience was clearly enjoying the dialogue and appreciated both the absurdities of some of the situations, and the always-witty script.

Strangely bereft of any explosions, car chases or aliens with acid for blood, the play relies on its wordy script and overall the cast did a good job. It is always frightening to see the talent of some of the young actors around Perth and the apparent ease with which they outshine their more mature cast members. Troy, Jason, Katy and Paul will soon have to be rounded up and placed against a wall, ere they jeopardise us all. (If anyone ever does a stage version of "Austin Powers", though, Jason Kenna would make a great Scott Evil.)

To be honest, some of the older cast members could learn from the projection demonstrated by this young, energetic cast. Not only that, but there was a bit of a tendence to tread on the laughs - from all the cast - a problem exacerbated, I'm sure, by the two noisy buggers in the back of the audience. Sound cues, at times, were also a bit abrupt, and if the script says "sotto voce", it probably doesn't mean "completely shut up and wait for the other actor to finish". The airplane sound effects were very realistic, although I'm not sure to what intention Wilde included them. The cast should also be aware that backstage exclamations can and do carry to the auditorium (not that it wasn't very funny...)

I may be getting old and deaf, but there's certainly nothing wrong with my eyes. Therefore it was a pity to watch the very attractive Lady Windermere in an absolutely gorgeous frock, suffer the devastating plight of VPL. Matt LeBlanc and Jennifer Anistonopolous-Pitt taught us the solution to THAT problem, boys and girls! In fact, all the frocks were lovely - particularly Nerida's - and the set was very nice too.

A very funny play, and probably a lot cheaper than Mrs Bucket's production. (All statements contained herein are the personal, valueless opinions of the author and nothing more.)

JB