Joe Egg - A truly excellent night of theeyata

Howdy all, A bunch of us went and saw this production on Friday. Wow. Steve Lee has done it again!! A real masterpiece. (For an intelligent and well thought out post, complete with ten dollar words and literary references, refer to my learned friend-Ms Hern's- review. For general gushing, over use of superlatives and bad grammar, read on.) Firstly, don't be put off by the subject matter of this play. More than anything else, it is HILARIOUS!!! Laugh-out-loud-hysterical, particularly the second half. So spot on is the pace and energy, that this rather lengthy show flew by. If ever any budding directors out there want an idea of where they need to aim for maximum pace and energy and comic timing, go see a Steve Lee play. It's a master class all of its own. So. We have a great play and a professional and excellent director. What about the cast? I have seen most of them in various productions over the years and been impressed, however, I can happily say that this is the BEST thing I've seen any of them do. They are brilliant, each and every one of them. Finally we get to see Peter Clark in a challenging role suited to his talents, and we get to watch him NAIL it. Just a fanatastic effort. It's a joy to watch somone of his calibre be given something he can really sink his teeth into. His energy and drive did not waiver at any point. His final monologue out to the audience was devastatingly touching. Well done, Clark!! Shirley Van Sanden did not miss a beat all night. Her performance was pitch perfect. This play showcases the incredible range both she and Clark possess. Shirley is such a teensy thing, my main concern was her bird like frame being crushed under the weight of her bee-hive. (Seriously, she'd have to weigh 25kg wringing wet.) I'm happy to report that she made it to the end of the show, completely in tact. Melissa Kiiveri as the disabled daughter was so good, I found myself unable to look at her a few times because her performance was too real and too truthful. At a mere 14yo, this lil poppet is one to watch people! Well done Baby Keith! The three supports, who we don't see until the second half, are also all terrific. Again, had the pace and direction and comic timing not been of the calibre it is, this second half would have been a distaster. It was instead a SCREAM! There is one week left of this show. Go along and see something really wonderful. Support it. Celebrate excellent local theatre. J