What becomes of the broken hearted?

‘What becomes of the broken hearted?’ is a trio of short plays by local playwright John Grimshaw. They are presented by Phoenix Theatre Inc. in conjunction with A Lad in Sane Productions, and are now showing at the Phoenix Hall at the corner of Carrington Street and Rockingham Road, Hamilton Hill. The season is Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8.00 until the 22^nd August.

All three, very different plays, are based around broken hearted, spurned lovers.

                 ‘The Last Waltz’ directed by Jane Sherwood. A young man, Shane (Maty Young), hails a taxi driven by Pakistani Krishnan (Marcelle Webber). One of them has been deserted by his wife, and throughout the journey, it becomes apparent that love is the same the world over.

             This is a serious drama, which although the pace is a little slow and the storyline could be tighter, is still an original well-acted tale.

                ‘White Roses’ directed by Johnny Grim. Rob’s wife of many years has gone home to mummy, the mother-in-law from Hell. So Rob (Johnny Grim, taking over at three days notice from a Grimshaw stalwart who took ill at the last moment) asks George (Peter King – brilliant), his old Ocker friend, for advice on how to get his wife back. The male chauvinistic suggestions had the audience laughing aloud for the whole of the 40-minute play. Extremely funny.

              ‘Tissues and Wine’ directed by Peter ‘Stinger’ Nettleton. When Sonja (Amy Harrison) turns up at her Mum’s house to report that she has a cuckold for a husband, her mother (Trish Farrell) offers her wine and tissues and some friendly advice. However, when rich family friend, Julia (Piera West), arrives she gives some more ‘basic’ guidance. Again, a tightly written, very funny play well presented.

All three plays worked well, with generally strong performances. The coarseness of some of Johnny’s recent plays has been modified to a more acceptable, adult entertainment. John’s short plays have always been his strongest point, and by his allowing two others to direct on this occasion, the results have been most successful.

The sets were simple, but effective. The main prop being a convincing taxi, which along with the excellent sound effects (Robert Harwood) and lighting design (Hywel Williams) was most effective. The new lighting console seems to be fitted with annoying faulty faders and switches – send it back.

The Wednesday night show was a special Benefit Performance for Claire Anderson's stem cell treatment. Congratulations to the team and thanks to all concerned for their generosity to this excellent cause.

The venue now has comfortable soft seating in well raked tiers.

A fun evening, at a reasonable price. Johnny would like point out to those in Melbourne going to this Phoenix Theatre, it is not the one in Elwood, so please set off three days earlier.