jigsaws

‘Jigsaws’, by Perth journalist Jennifer Rogers, is being presented by The Irish Theatre Players at the well- equipped Irish Club theatre in Subiaco until Saturday 24^th November at 8.00 pm. Where ‘Cead Mile Failte’ rings true.

It is Christmas Day 1988 at Grandma’s house in Perth. Aunt Pat (Marian Byrne) is tackling her unwanted gift – a jigsaw! She is chatting with niece, Alex (Catriona Coe) whilst the men and children – whom we never see – are in the garden playing cricket. The couple are obviously very close and a frank natter ensues. Pat’s daughter, houseproud Monica (Denice Byrne), cleans up the festivities mess, complaining about the disgraceful clutter as she goes, but is this the real reason for her mental distress? Alex has moved into a flat in Melbourne with her new GP partner, but despite being 29, is waiting for the right time to tell her mother Sylvia. Sylvia (Judy Walsh) is a narrow minded, head-in-the-sand prude, who wants to have Grandma (Ann Barker) committed, or at the very least placed in care, so that she can sell the family home.

The craic soon turns sour as indiscretions are revealed. There are a couple of heart-tearing scenes when a paper tissue would have been handy.

Director Margriet van Tuyll has made the whole two and a half hours of acting visually interesting, riveting and genuine. The flow of the movements was totally natural and the superbly written dialogue, with 5 very different characters, was a joy. The story, whilst tackling several difficult topics, was filled with plenty of fresh humour.

This is one of the best team of actors that I have seen in some time – professional or community! The delivery was flawless, filled with passion and splendid observation.

If you want a whinge, then I was surprised to hear a Gaelic establishment singing ‘for the sake of auld lang zyne’ instead of ‘for auld land syne’, with no ‘sake’ and no ‘z’.

Good set and lighting, with very efficient ‘open curtain’ set changes.

A total joy to watch. An absolutely magnificent show.

Nollaig shona diobh!