Pocket Theatre June 09 a review of sorts

Before making comments on this production, may I confess up front that I'm a big fan of 'Pocket Theatre.' Any theatre that provides avenues for local writers,is going to get a resounding yes vote from me. I should also mention, that I know 2 of the people involved with the production, and that in the critic stakes I rate a 2 at best, being that I just can't help but focus on the positives... 'Whoa! Hold on matey boy! You can't go saying that! Why not?' "Cos, they'll hate you more than they hate you now!' 'Ah yes, but if you look on the positives of the word hate.. 'Johnny! there are no positives to the word hate!' 'Yes there are!' 'Oh yeah, like what?' 'The opposite to hate is love, so if you flip the coin you get a completey different perspective.' 'Have you got a life jacket?' 'Why?' 'Cos, I'm not going down with this ship...' 'Coward!' Now about these 3 one act plays...?? 1: 'KEEP A SECRET by ANNIE OTNESS...whist watching the story unfod, I found myself thinking, where did Annie's imagination conjur up this story? Then I noticed in her bio that she was born in Tasmania. Ah ha! Now I get it! I thought the story flowed well, and the actors (Trish Farrell, Steven Hounsome, Sally Bruce and Rory Mitchell) playing their respective roles to a tee. I particulary enjoyed the comic moments, such as Gavin's reaction to the secret, and I would have enjoyed seeing the comic side extended during the 'mystery donor' scene. Annie should be pleased with her first outing. I look forward to the folow up album. 2: 'UNNATTAINABLE' by JESS MESSENGER I loved this play! The script was sharp, with humour aplenty, laced with the cruelty that we humans inflict on ourselves in search of the body beautiful. Wonderful performances from Sinéad Beven, Tamiah Bantum and Adam Shuttleworth, who played their parts to perfection. A clever and heartwarming end, with a wonderful cameo from an unknown telephone caller. A very real story that I'm sure will resonate with many of you (certainly not me, because I'm already there) One to watch for in this years one act festivals. Superb! 3: GOOD IDEA by GORDON MACNISH I do enjoy Gordon's plays. Always entertaining! Always containing memorable lines, a scientist with a wit such as his will go a long way to breaking the stereoype, although that beard??? This madcap tale of a couple's wedding that doesn't exactly go to plan, was cleverly brought to life using a minimilist set and great performaces from Amy Harrison, Ben Brown, Marcelle Weber and Luciano Vecchio who not only directed the play, but played several parts. A fun play that left the audience smiling. PS: With so many theatres going for the 'bums on seats' approach it was oh so pleasing to see all seats 'bummed out' for a local production! PPS: As a bonus I also met lots of nice people, and even better, not one of them was named Shakespeare or Ernest. A great time was had by all. Do yourself a favour Molly! Get down to the bowling club before the season ends!Pocket theatre is a must for those who seek brave new worlds. Johnny Grim