The Young Ones

‘The Young Ones’ was presented at Kalamunda Arts Centre on Saturday 15^th August, being the World’s first major theatre production of this play. Treasured memories of the past are often best left untouched, so it was with great trepidation that I went to see The Stage Left Theatre Troupe’s adaptation.  The cast, faced with an almost instant full house, were forced to put on an extra show on Saturday afternoon, after having had a rehearsal in the morning! Three extremely active shows in one day and yet by 11.00 in the evening, the cast were still in top form.

          It is a new morning in the repulsively grotty flat of the students of Scumbag College. Long haired, peace loving Neil (Richard Burrowes) has just prepared yet another pot of lentils, for breakfast – or should that be dinner? As it is now 2.00 in the afternoon. Rick (Kevin Blair), with his spoilt pouting mouth and rotating pelvis, relates his latest piece of poetry to Vyvyan (Phil van Oyen) who has just entered the kitchen through a wall! The fourth flat member, Mike (Frank Cotter), counts out his cornflakes in search of his love status for the day.
         Then enters landlord Jerzei Balowski (John ‘JT’ Taylor), a character probably based on the UK extortionist Peter Rachman, who has no feelings for his tenants. Shot gun in his hand he exerts his power and a huge amount of laughs.
        The boys have unwanted visits from Vyvyan and Neil’s mothers (Helen Blench and Sarah Jayne Eales) and the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
        In a brief dream sequence, the boys see themselves as children (what a fantastic bunch of young actors, they really got into the spirit of the show – sorry no names available, but they deserve a credit).
        Rick’s hero, ‘Cliff Richard’, and Madness (Kalgoorlie’s ‘Mad House’ band, with singer Brett Thomas) gave a few energy-filled musical breaks.

Since the series of ‘The Young Ones’ first came out on BBC TV in 1982, there has been nothing even slightly similar in comedy, style or delivery. The writers, naturally, have been worried that by releasing a stage version, any portrayal of their cherished characters could be disastrous. Well, after smooth talking by Lisa van Oyen to the three playwrights, Rik Mayall, Lise Mayer and Ben Elton (our new WA resident), a script was released and this Kalgoorlie team was given first chance to perform it. Melanie DeCull, discovered this gem of a show whist on holiday in Kalgoorlie, and with a huge amount of work brought it down to Perth.

This show is mainly visual, such as the slow, but systematic, demolition of the flat. The many surprises and well-synchronised effects (Rod Wilson) and the clever set structure design (Peter Canny) allowed the astonishing happenings to take place. Kylie Pettit’s props had to be seen to be believed – a two metre ham sandwich!

The quality sound (Katie Manns) and lighting design (Aaron Stafford) all had to be set up at short notice after the team’s 640 kilometre journey.

This show was a rare ‘COMPLETE’ production. The programme, promotion, stage management and even the punk usherette! Everything had been thought out perfectly.
Well, was I disappointed with the characters portrayed here, compared to the real TV personalities? Not in the slightest, I am sure that both Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson would have been blown away with the work that had gone into Kevin and Phil’s capturing their delivery. Backed by a manic but unique cast, the audience loved it. Director Julian Canny must have demanded accuracy and he certainly got it.

Stage Left’s motto is to ‘take theatre to the people’. Given the chance this team could tour Australia and have house full signs everywhere. Brilliant.