Secret Bridesmaids' Business!

We're allowed to say the name when we're not in the theatre, aren't we???

I saw the Perth opening of KADS' production of SBB and thoroughly enjoyed it. My only regret is that it has taken me this long to urge you all to make the trip up the hill to see it!

The scene was set for a delightful evening when I entered the theatre. Being a converted church (if I'm not mistaken), the foyer with its reception-table decor, complete with gifts, an album of wedding pics & the obligatory pre-show sherry, we were immediately part of the action. With the intimate space, being part of the action was practically unavoidable, especially for those in the front row! In fact, as things got tenser during the buildup towards Meg Bacon's dream wedding, those of us in front felt almost too close, as we could see every quiver on the poor bride's face & really empathised with her dilemma. It felt to me a bit voyeuristic, watching someone break down right in front of me, yet separated by the fourth wall.

But I digress. The play is marvellously written, & Terry Hackett's spot-on casting & direction made the most of the text. The actors were all equally strong, and the dialogue felt so natural that it could have been any of us gossiping & partying in the hotel room.

The show opens with a slide show presentation of Meg's hens' night & the background commentary by the bridesmaids drew me in immediately. When the play "proper" begins, we see a gorgeous & very realistic hotel room. The lighting, sound, costumes & props all supported the action very well.

As I mentioned, performances were excellent throughout. As suits an ensemble show, there were no standouts & the balance & mutual support among the cast was apparent. The monologues given to each character gave insight into each person's point of view, & it was easy to sympathise even with the "baddies".

The main thing that struck me in this production is the degree of character work which obviously was put in by everyone. The little looks between characters, reactions behind each others' backs & differences between text & subtext made the show for me. The honest & fiery interplay between bridesmaids Amanda Ford & Julia Dalby as they argue over the usefulness of truth in moments of crisis, the awe-inspiring anal retentiveness of Di Graham's Mother of the Bride, the determination & vulnerability of Peta Higson as bride-to-be Meg, and David Gregory's somehow sympathetic bastard bridegroom (can I be any more alliterative?) made the show fascinating. Special mention however must go to Sarah Sambridge, who adopted the role of Naomi the Nemesis on very short notice & made it her own. That said, we would never have realised how quickly the show was pulled back together, had we not been told. Hearty congratulations to the cast in coping with such an abrupt change so close to opening.

I've tried my best not to divulge any of the plot, so if you've already read Jarrod's review, don't blame me! I was afraid people might throw SBB into the Chick Play category, but his oily references should take care of that. Fun for the whole family! SBB runs until Dec 8th, so just go see it, thou jarring boil-brained bugbear! (oh but that's fun...)