Jake's Women

I went along to see Jake's Women last night, playing at the Old Mill Theatre in Sout Perth. I had already seen the screen version with Alan Alda playing the main role and was interested to see how director Simon James would go with tackling such a complex play. Well I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Not only has James done an excellent job with this one but I particularly enjoyed his Australianisation of the play. The play itself could , without the right direction, or cast, could easily become to heavy as it follows the main character Jake as he struggles through a difficult transition period in his life, calling on imaginary women from both his past and present to help him at different personally challenging times. Certainly it treads a fine line at times however gladly I can report that at no dime did I find the content overy heavy or intense. In fact it was carried of beautifully with the cast timing their lines and gags perfectly to the delight of a near full house. Special mention must be made of the main characters played by David Cotgreave (Jake) and Vanessa Harding (Maggie his wife)they did an amazing job especially David who I found extremely convincing. Young Amelia McLaughlin-Jones (Young Molly) lit up the stage every time she appeared and for such a little one times her gags with the perfection that some actors twice her age still don't often manage. Additionall the scene involving Siobhan Donals (Sheila the girlfriend)was brilliant, she had the entire audience beside themselves with laughter. All in all I'd have to give Simon James' adaptation of Jake's Women a resounding 10/10. If you haven't seen it yet make sure you get along before it finishes. Tickets are a very moderate price and the Old Mill Theatre is wi=orth expreiencing in itself. While you are sitting there make sure you take notice of the set, the detail is just amazing. Well done to all those involved.