The Lost Girl *** 1/2

‘The Lost Girl’ is a play for children by Melissa Cantwell, the idea originating from Fredrick McCubbin’s painting. It is presented by Barking Gecko Theatre Company in the gardens of the Subiaco Arts Centre. Enjoy a picnic before the 7.00 pm start. The grass slope is excellent and gives everyone a clear view of the actors.

The action takes place in 1910. Pearl Buttons’ (Sarah Borg) parents have died in an accident and she has to go to Court to receive her inheritance. She inherits a house in the bush which she has never seen before, and sets off alone to find it, unaware that her Uncle Victor (Sam Longley) an avaricious and unctuous creep is after her wealth.

When they meet, it becomes clear that Victor’s intentions are not honourable. Pearl enlists the help of Widget (Ella Hetherington), a handyman who is a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic, whom she meets on her way. Several wonderful chases in the style of The Keystone Cops and Buster Keaton ensue, coupled with Kingsley Reeve’s gorgeous sound effects and Winifred Atwell's honky tonk piano.

Brian Woltjen’s scenery was minimal, but his 1910 version of a combined gramophone and photocopier was ingenious and thrilled the kids.

The cast were excellent and communicated with their young audience brilliantly. Attired in an astounding puke green suit (Costumes - Cherie Hewson), Sam’s delivery was very funny. Sarah and Ella excelled with their dancing and ‘acrobatics’.

Here, Jeremy Rice, with the help of Lawrie Cullen-Tait, has repeated his directing success of the ‘Troll in the Bowl’. Although I thought the hilarious and very clever script may have been a little advanced for the audience, they didn’t and that is what matters. There were children of all ages, from 2 to over 60(!) at the show and they loved it.

There were times when I felt like boo-ing nasty Victor and aw-ing poor Pearl, but the audience was reverently silent. Perhaps a plant in the audience to get it started may be worthwhile.

A magical family show.

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