The Sum of Us (WA) - Newspaper review

To sum up, it’s a feast of emotions Fremantle Gazette, February 12, 2008 http://www.communitynews.com.au/ePaperNowOnline/tabid/93/Default.aspx Review: Helen O’Brien I CANNOT remember when I last saw a production or a film which made me feel a wave of emotions, a surge of patriotism, and hope for a more accepting society – all in a couple of hours. Showing at the Old Mill Theatre for its final week, The Sum of Us stars Fremantle resident Alan Kennedy (as father Harry), Kensington resident Phil Barnett (as Harry’s son Jeff), Como resident Chris Thomas (Jeff’s love interest, Greg) and Cloverdale resident Joy Northover (Harry’s love interest, Joyce). This production of Australian playwright David Stevens is directed by West Leederville resident Dannielle Ashton, and Barnett. From the outset, it challenges stereotypes. First, Jeff is not your average gay man. He seems a typical Aussie bloke – a well-built, likeable larrikin who works as a plumber and loves footy. His father Harry – also seeming a typical Aussie in many ways – is not typical in his over-zealous acceptance of Jeff’s sexuality. The tolerant Harry would seem at the other end of the scale from Greg’s family – whom the audience never meets but can imagine. You have to wonder if all parents should be more like the often-inappropriate Harry. Although some of his lines will make you cringe, he is loveable and obviously well-intentioned. Happiness for Jeff is his only wish. Harry views love as being “the greatest adventure of all” and The Sum of Us is an adventure. It is great fun and makes you laugh and smile at the sincerity in the performances. But like all stories, it has to have conflict. Ironically, the love and acceptance between Harry and Jeff creates tension between Harry and Joyce, and between Jeff and Greg, unravelling the demons Joyce and Greg face. There is also the underlying tension between Harry and Jeff, apparent in the final scene, which definitely demands tissues. The Sum of Us is on at 8pm this Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Feb 14-16). Tickets are $19 ($14 concession); bookings can be made on 9367 8719. The Old Mill is on Mends Street, South Perth.

Couldn't agree more - saw the show last weekend and it was fantastic!

Many thanks for kind remarks! We are FULLY BOOKED for Friday and Saturday Still seats for Thursday February 14th.

Up until about 3 years ago, I always used to get a little nervous going to a local theatre production. It’s a little bit like Forrest Gump’s Chocolates, "you never know what you gonna get". But when I saw Chris Thomas act in Frankenstein the other year, I soon realized that if he was going to be in a show then it’s definitely worth going to see. So when the tickets for “The Sum of Us” were released I booked 4 tickets for the final night straight away. I don’t think there’s any need to go into the details of the show as they are listed and reviewed very well in the review above. I’m no professional critic and not the best writer, but I wanted to point out a few little things that I loved about it... I thought that the backdrops and scenery were sensational. Never would I have thought to have rotating walls. I couldn’t believe that when I was sitting there, it felt like I was sitting in the living room, not to mention that I felt like I was sitting out side on the bench and looking in at the lamp in the house.. Even the familiar sound of the night crickets when they sit outside was heard. I was so wrapped up in the acting. That I thought to myself "I wonder if someone heated that food up for the guys, or was it real whiskey they have in there?" Every character did so well and I was captivated through out the whole show. Every little detail covered, it was great. But the main thing I wanted to share was the effect it had on a friend of mine... As I walked out the theatre and turned around, he was crying... So I pulled him aside and said "what’s wrong?" He said to me that when he was about 5 he had always thought that his great granddad (who had a stroke) just didn’t understand him when he went to say hello. Not giving it much of a thought until tonight he realized that his great granddad could understand and he finally put himself in those shoes and wondered what it would be like to be his great granddad looking at his Great Grandson and not being able to say anything. SO thank you to the cast and crew for this Play. And performing it with so much dedication and so much passion that moved us all so much and taught us or reminded us of the important lessons in life. To think outside the square in so many different situations that affects us emotionally, physically or mentally. What a great production guys. Can’t wait till the next one!! Cheers Hayley.

And it's moments like that which prove what theatre is all about! Thank you for sharing that moment with us Hayley.

I didn't expect to enjoy this play, but I did immensely. (I still haven't seen the film) It was about life and love, and that theme came through so clearly. I think Alan Kennedy was outstanding in the warm way he portrayed the father, and Phil Barnett was remarkable in his portrayal of a theoretically non-existent character - the footy playing "ocker/gay". I would like particularly to recognise Joy Northover in the challenging role of Joyce - not a "popular" part, but one that played a big role as a catalyst in clarifying a father's unconditional love for his son. I know most media attention is paid to the highly paid, but this production was high quality ...

Great Story. Great Play. Great lines. No dramatic pauses for effect. Loved it. Want more of it. Thinking of becoming gay because of it. Ashton/Barnett the new kids on the block... Hopefully they will not join the click or turn into a Bond/Kirkwood situ..... Go see it.. Be with it... It's fresh.. It's gay... It will blow you away.. Rip on The Ripper 'He'll rip ya'