The Mozart Faction **** 1/2

Whilst waiting to enter the auditorium, a small group of amateur singers arrived and under the direction of their conductor Evie (Alinta Carroll – who really did do the musical direction) gave us a beautiful rendition of their version of a Mozart composition. We are then invited to join them at their adjacent Community Hall to see their next rehearsal.

Designer, Monique Boucher has produced a very realistic village hall where Shirl (Maggie Anketell), the eldest member of the group is preparing the boiler for the tea and coffee. Soon the Cantus Formosus choir has assembled and the rehearsal commences. Immediately it becomes obvious that some members are more talented than others and, like any other village group, there is the ‘in crowd’ and the ‘excluded’.

Just as the practise is getting underway, the neighbour from hell (Phil Miolin) arrives and tells them in no uncertain terms what he thinks of their singing and wants them to stop, Will they accept his request or continue singing? This sounds a simple story, but there are plenty of twists and surprises.

Kate Rice’s script is brilliantly written, with very well observed characters – people that we have all met and suffered at similar PTA meetings or CWA. The cast of nine had very different characters, all true to life and wonderfully portrayed by an experienced company skilfully directed by Emily McLean.

The other superb cast members were Larissa Gallagher, Brodie Caporn, Caitlin Beresford Ord, Craig Williams, Jeremy Levi and Brendan Ewing.

This is a must see comedy.