The First Sunday in December

‘The first Sunday in December’ is an adult comedy by Brisbane broadcaster, Eric Scott. It is the latest presentation from Melville Theatre Company at the Melville Theatre, corner of Stock Road and Canning Highway in Palmyra until 17^th October, The shows are at 8.00 pm with one matinee at 2.00 pm on Sunday the 11^th, the production having been postponed for one week.

        It is business owner, TC’s (Peter Bloor), 55^th birthday barbecue – well that is what he is admitting to. Recently, his chief accountant, Mark (Jeff Hansen) left the company and deserted his shy, but loyal wife, Gail (Ala Paykart) to start on his own business. With him went the voluptuous man-trap, Vanessa (Rachel Leonhardt), TC’s top salesgirl.

        However, unknown to TC, Donna his wife (Jodie Hansen) has invited Gail, to the celebration. At the same time, TC has invited Mark and his new partner. Also at the party are Mark’s replacement, randy Terry (Lewis Johnson) and his insecure wife, Marie (Stephanie Wilson) along with family friend Marge (Diana Ryman).

       When the various groups meet, jealousy breaks out and things are said that shouldn’t have been.

This is a strange play; the first Act is a kitchen sink drama with very few laughs in the script. The cast tried to deliver humour where there was little. There were some very good individual performances, but unfortunately that is what they were, ‘individual’ with very little rapport or empathy. The pace was slow. For the first time in years I seriously considered joining a few others and going home at the interval, but as I know many of the team, I stayed on and was rewarded amply for doing so. The second act was like a different play. The script was funny, the actors now had something to get their teeth into and responded beautifully. There were several belly laughs and as the storyline developed into a good farce and by the final curtain I found that I had enjoyed the evening.

Directed by Stuart Riches and his assistant Barbara Lovell were faced by a cast member having to leave, for work reasons, only days before the opening. However, I felt they managed to squeeze out the most from the dialogue. There was plenty of action in the second act, which had the saucy and embarrassing situations delivered with a natural flow, not looking contrived.

Val Riches set was magnificent. Outdoor sets almost always appear skimped and tatty; however the flats and backcloth were beautifully painted (Dawn Murray and Dianne Leggo) and then well lit (Ian Black). The off stage swimming pool sounds were realistic.

Let down by the script in the first Act, but certainly worth seeing.