Boiled Cabbage Review

Here is a review for my play Boiled Cabbage scoffed from Adelaides Theatre Guide Website. Written by Nikki Gaertner. BOILED CABBAGE Spotlight Theatre Company Until 20 Mar 2009 Review by Nikki Gaertner A World War II history lesson outlining all the key events in less than one hour, and as seen through the eyes of an ‘average’ English family, this is another cleverly written work by Tony Moore. Featuring four actors, the story is held together by conversations between Dad (Geoffrey Dawes), endlessly reading the latest newspaper headlines, and Mum (Maxine Grubel), forever stewing up cabbage in the kitchen, who are frequently interrupted to receive updates of the latest antics of their children Janet (Joanna Webb) and John (Sahil Choujar). Despite a few stumbles, the action flows fairly well and Dawes and Grubel do well in presenting the stereotypical couple, slightly innocent and ignorant of what is going on in the world around them. Webb and Choujar break up the story nicely, with Webb in particular injecting some humour as her character progresses toward becoming a liberated woman. The set is small and simple, but this at times adds some comic moments. The radio is however somewhat confusing – it seems to turn on and off on its own at times, at others requires human intervention, and why does it open to show a picture of Vera Lynn? This show could teach you many things about the WWII period across the world, but it could teach you something else as well – the many ways in which you can prepare boiled cabbage...! Rating: 3.5 stars (out of 5)