Pocket Theatre Nov 08

A friend and I went along to 'Crackerjacks' (North Fremantle Bowling Club)to check out Pocket's latest offering. My friend thought it strange, that the words 'bowling club' and 'theatre' should appear in the same sentence. Fear not said I, for I had similar concerns when invited to a 'theatre production in the basement of the Swan Hotel.' We arrived (thanks to the clear and much appreciated signage) to find a bowling club much in the traditions of the many that dot our wonderful country. I'm pleased to say there was no cafe latte's or avocado and chilli muffins on offer, just your usual well priced drinks, and friendly staff on hand...tickets in hand we joined other patrons in front of the small stage. It was evident that stage sets and lighting were not the focus of the production (note: I think the sound and lighting people did a great job given the location of the equipment etc... now before I move onto making comments about the production, I confess again that I don't have any credentials to my name that entitle me to make judgement on plays, nor do I have the dictionary of buzz words that those better placed to critique do... all I have is my humble opinion, for the meagre amount that's worth...that said, onwards we go..the first play for the evening (Mariella Rossi, Where are you?) was written by Helen Brett. This well written peiece was performed admirably by Luciano Vecchio. My only negative (see I'm learning)is that I felt the story and interesting goings on in the Rossi family deserved a longer life than the 30 minutes given. Up next was 'The Mother Lode' a monologue by Liz Hoffman (a finalist in the 2007 Maj monologue competition. Again, this excellent script was given life by the talented Tracey Paulik. A very real story,touching at one moment, amusing at the next. 'Sex in the dead of winter' was next. Another piece written by Liz Hoffman (the winner of the 2008 MAJ monologue comp). Outstanding script, performed brilliantly by Craig Williams. It left me wondering how Liz could delve that accurately into the pysche of middle aged males. It reminded me to close my bedroom curtains at night. To close we had 'Serenade in Blue' written by Noel O'Neill, and performed by Noel and Valerie Dragojevic. Noel of course is well recognised for the talent that he is, and he was well supported in this touching play. I'm not going to give the premise away, for I feel that would spoil it. To close the show Helen Brett invited local writers to submit their material to Pocket for possible inclusion in future productions, with a guarantee that if not selected the writer would at least receive feedback on their submission. How precious is that to a writer. Having witnessed lots of local theatre with brilliant sets, and marvellous lighting, it felt good to walk away from this production feeling that the stories I'd seen and heard didn't need the support of set and lights. I guess that speaks volumes for what theatre is all about. Congratulations to the Pocket crew and Crackerjack staff for a most enjoyable evening. Long may the bowling club survive and with it too, Pocket theatre. I recommend that you get along and check it out, and please, whatever you do, don't ask the barman if they can possibly serve avocado and chilli smoothies at some stage in the future. cheers Johnny Grim A lad in sane productions