The Canterbury Tales

I went along for the last night of this combined Bare Naked/Class Act production at Rechabites Theatre in Northbridge, and quite a unique theatrical experience it turned out to be. It made me recall that just after 9/11 I was in a drama tute at uni and we came to the conclusion that, although it was a real-life tragedy/disaster on a monumental scale, it (9/11) nevertheless came within the broad definition of 'performance'. Before going further, I should mention that part way through the second of the 6 'Tales', one of the actors was taken ill and had to hurriedly leave the stage before collapsing in the dressing room. It happened so suddenly that the audience thought it was all part of the act, especially since said actor had done a very convincing death scene in the previous 'Tale'. How the rest of the cast handled the ensuing situation was indeed in the best traditions of theatre and worthy of the warm ovation given to the full cast at curtain call. We ended up seeing 5 of the 6 'Tales' - only missing the Wife of Bath's Tale, in which the MIA was to have taken the lead. In the Franklin's Tale, I believe Stephen Lee ad libbed his way through two characters masterfully, although the costume looked a little snug. It was a very funny show and I doubt any of the audience would have taken Stephen up on his offer of a refund. However, it wasn't quite as funny as the joker behind me seemed to think- heckling and laughing inappropriately throughout, even when SL was doing his 'state of play' speech across the fourth wall. It takes all types I suppose - and it all made it quite a memorable night out. By the way, I understand Pygmalion was hit by sudden illnesses as well - with crew members having to stand in for lead actors on very short notice. Well, as they say, that's live theatre for you!

Meadowman is back on his feet. Given his symptoms were a fuzzy mouth, splitting headache and acute nausea, he possibly had an alergic reaction to food eaten at dinner. From the cast's perspective, it was an extraordinary night, flying by the seat of our pants. Stephen Lee, adlibbed his way to appreciative applause. Thanks to the audience for their indulgence as we sorted out how to manage our way through the majority of the entertainment. And yes, the audience did think that Dave's sudden apology and exit from the stage in the middle of the "Carry On" (to apparently throw up) was part of the show, helped in part by the host jumping up and adlibbing a series of jokes to cover his exit. They then laughed further when asked if there was a Doctor in the House (obviously thinking it was a reference to the British sitcom). The audience reaction was so bizarre, it might give us ideas to write this exact scenario into the show if we do a remount. Once the audience were ushered out for an impromptu interval, they finally got the idea that it was a real situation and then wouldn't you know it, 3 doctors and 2 nurses volunteered their presence... Thanks Stinger for letting us know the evening went over as well as we hoped. Canterbury Tales is turning out to be one of those little 'sleepers' that grows to become an outrageous success. Below is the schedule for the next two weeks... so if anyone is heading south for school holidays, make a booking... JULY Schedule Canterbury Tales mon 2: Weld Theatre, Busselton 7.30pm Wed 4: Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre 7.30pm Fri 6: BREC 10am Sat 7: Goose Restaurant 6.30pm (food) for 8.15pm (show) Busselton www.thegoose.com.au Fri 13 Weld Theatre, Busselton 7.30pm Othello Wed 4: Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre 10am Thurs 5: BREC 10am and 7.30pm Fri 6: BREC 7.30pm Thurs 12 Weld Theatre, Busselton 7.30pm Fri 13 Weld Theatre, Busselton 10am Sat 14 cnr Bridgetown Repertory, Southwest Hwy/Nelson St, 7.30pm (08) 9761 1726