It's My Party @ Garrick

What is wrong with asking for a review? As a performer and director, I appreciate feedback, especially when it is constructive. Even harsh, potentially biased comments have their uses also. How are we meant to be able to judge our own performances if no-one tells us anything about it?

I applaude Mel for asking. By doing so, you open yourself to potential ridicule and insult, as well as invite those who actually give a damn to give a few pointers.

My wife and I went and saw the show on Friday, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. One thing I have noticed since I decide to tackle direction is that I have become possibly a little too critical of any production I see, yes even my own. It's a pain really and can get in the way of an enjoyable evening.

I found myself falling into the above mentioned habit early in the show, noting a stiff presentation here, there, then thinking "You are being far too judgemental" and instead sat back to let the show wash over me.

In evey performance, there may be small little things that you think "That could have been done differently/better/etc" which is all fine and good but it is subjective, and not very useful. The mark of a great show is how it all falls together as a single entity, and in this case, both of us were in fits by the end of the show.

Ray Egan, Martin Lindsay and Mel where brilliant in their charactisations and timing. The energy between Ray and Martin in particular was something to witness. Veronica played the 'bi-polar' drunk (one second straight, the next stumbling and giggling) was in itself comedy. Jennifer, while a little stiff in my mind (maybe that was the character) played the chramingly annoying youngest daughter, annoying in the fact that this is the type of person that people refer to as a 'crawler', playing on the emotions if her daddy (Ray) much to the annoyance of the other two children (Martin and Mel). The character we all love to get frustrated with.

Finally we have Scott, playing the pre-ordered undertaker, who arrives to take the 'body' to find it still walking and talking. He then manages to seemlessly embed himself into the family unit until a rather irrate Martin chases him from the house. Scott played his character with such simplisity and it was incredibly effective.

Apart from the one or two pauses (hey, what is a show without at least one of those) I can honestly say that I and the 'missus' enjoyed the night out. It is a fine show and well worth a look see.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing and dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

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