Garrick Theatre One Act Season

‘2007 One Act Season’ is showing at the Garrick Theatre in Midland until Saturday 15^th September. These 4 plays have a total running time of 2 hours and 40 minutes, hence the performances start at the earlier time of 7.30 pm.

One act seasons are generally there for new actors and directors to ‘have a try’ and not surprisingly, the quality of the four shows was variable. However they were all interesting, quirky stories and it was obvious that all concerned were not going for the easy option but wished to prove themselves.

As this year is the 75^th Anniversary of the Garrick Theatre, the first play that was ever performed there has been revived. It is A. A. Milne’s ‘The boy comes home’, this story demonstrates of how a war can make or break a man’s psyche. A couple of the actors were a slightly weak, yet they performed admirably in a later play, suggesting that perhaps their direction was a little inadequate. Doug Hellens conquered the emotions of the aging uncle very well.

‘Johnno’s story’ well scripted by local writer Bruce Denny, is the account of the work place, the camaraderie and employee self-esteem. Competently directed by Melanie DeCull the cast performed splendidly. Congratulations to Damien Bourke and Rebecca Wilson on moving performances.

‘Gum and Goo’ written by a British playwright, Howard Brenton, was wonderfully directed by Rob Whitehead. This play shows the mind of an autistic girl (Ellen Jurik), relating the confusion between the truth of her surroundings and the muddle of her brain. Rodney van Groningen and stage ‘virgin’ Nick McKenzie played many varied characters in this challenging play. Very high standard of acting.

‘All over again’ is a comedy / drama by local playwright Daniel Kershaw who also acted the lead. The story starts as a simple tale of infidelity, but has a novel twist in which the characters see the story from each other’s perspective. A clever and well directed play which has a few rough edges, but considering the complex plot, came over competently in the hands of director Sarah House, and the cast Sally Bruce, Murray Jackson and Asha Anderson. At 40 minutes this is one of the few plays that I think is a little too SHORT and could benefit from an expansion of performance time.

Even on a wet night, all of these shows were worth the trip to help the Garrick celebrate their 75^th.

As a brand new member here,and a self confessed lifetime'armchair critic',I would like to add a belated review on the opening night of 2007 ONE ACT SEASON for sept 12.Although an infrequent visitor to THE GARRICK due to distance,I found this compilation the most satisfying so far. The first A.A.Milnes "THE BOY COMES HOME",seemed flat to me and underdone.The actors tried,but it looked like the director was 'out to lunch'.This could have had real impact with more verve.Sorry. Next was 'JOHNNO'S STORY', based on a true story which made it even more poignant.An ultimately sad story,it was written from the heart and acted with deep understanding,by the two leads.I liked the relaxed performance of Rebecca Wilson as the daughter,her character binding the story together.good stuff. "GUM AND GOO" came next.If I didn't have a program synopsis,I would have been lost for a while here.This,to me was pure theatre.No sets,just three actors,all superb,with Ellen Jurik as the autistic girl,having the best primal scream I have ever heard in a play.(this is a small theatre!) Brilliant all round,with hats off to director Rob Whitehead. Lastly,the best and the most rounded effort came with "ALL OVER AGAIN" written by,(and starring)local playwright Daniel Kershaw.Lots of good ideas here,laughs aplenty,which WAS welcome by this stage.The seemingly straightforward 'partners playing musical beds' morphed into a "Twilight Zone" scenario,quite ambitious in its concept,but with very satisfying results. As Gordon commented,a worthwhile trip,on what was a cold and wintry night

2007 one act season

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