Winter Warmers *** 1/2

Melville Theatre’s ‘Winter Warmers’ are back again each evening until 22^nd July at their Stock Road theatre in Melville.

The warmers this year were three very good plays.
‘But yesterday’ *** by Jimmy Chin was directed by Brenda Stanley. It has two very subtle story lines, which unfortunately lost to most of the audience. It is the tale of a minister and his wife (Judy Pinnock excellent) nearing retirement and looking back at their relationship with their son. However the relationship isn’t what it seems.
Most of the cast struggled to cross the divide between mentally reading the lines and becoming the character. This play called for emotion and credibility but I am sorry to say that both were weak. Part of the story which called for an argument, in rehearsals perhaps really have a go at each other and then pull back a little on the stage.

            ‘Lunch Hour’ **** is a comedy by John Mortimer and was capably directed by Connie Ord. It is the tale of a middle aged man (Peter Kirkwood) who has managed to chat an office girl (Sharon Thomas) into a lunch-time ‘quickie’ at a nearby Kings Cross hotel.
            Because the story takes place in 1960, one couldn’t simply just take a room for an hour or two, especially when everyone was vetted for marriage by the receptionist, so the man concocts a story as to why his wife is coming down for Scarborough to see him. Unfortunately he doesn’t tell his lunchtime ‘partner’ and she becomes very upset about the whole affair. The hotel manageress (Diane Drew) tries hard – too hard – to help them enjoy their stay. Will the consummation take place before time runs out?
            Excellent acting, you could really feel the frustration!

            ‘Jamie’s Chooks’ **** ½ is a home grown script, which was directed by the writer Vanessa Jensen.
            Kate (Jodie Hansen) is a keen cook and needs, with the help of her pal Julia (Kristie Chorley) to help out a friend Toby (Rachel Leonhardt) make a meal for her potential in laws. All the complications of cooking arise and only become worse when yuppie Tara (Rebecca Brennan) appears on the scene.
            There is a great deal of fun in the script, with a good twist in the story. Loved the idea of putting your characters on pedestals, but a small suggestion, perhaps make Kate, the story teller, move around more. Great play.
            Well directed and very well acted.

For all of the plays the scenery was minimal but effective. Good sound effects and lighting.

Gordon seems to have been spending a lot of his time in theatres recently, judging by the proliferation of his reviews. One would expect that the standard of those reviews would improve with practice, however it seems quality has been sacrificed for quantity. (By the way, I am not in any way involved in any of these productions). 'But Yesterday' is indeed a subtle play and it seems to have gone over more than one head, however I fail to see how Gordon can claim that it "lost most of the audience". Perhaps it was just the night he went. I followed the storyline with fascination - and felt it was much more the SON'S tale than that of his 'parents'. Also, I thought it was well-acted all round. 'Lunch Hour'is a bit dated as comedies go. It was a pity the characters had to leave their overcoats on - it could have been given more spice with a bit of bare flesh or even just a decent grope! 'Jamie's Chooks' (named for Oliver the Naked Chef) is indeed a home-grown (or mined) gem. Although I am a big white bloke, I was quite drawn in to the 'women's business' to the extent that when the twist came, it hit me right in the emotional snoot. That's what I call good writing and good performance. I predict this one will do well at the festivals later on in September. Well done, all. Ssstinger>>>

Winter Warmers (I don't give star ratings)

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