It's my party (and I'll die if I want to)

‘It’s my party (and I’ll die if I want to)’ is a hilarious comedy by Elizabeth Coleman. This Ellenbrook Theatre Company production is showing at the Midland Arts Centre, on the corner of Great Eastern Highway and Cale Street. After a very short run, the last performance is tonight, 8^th May, at 7.30 pm.

          The family are gathered in the Patterson household as father, Ron (Paul Whitehead) has a tragic announcement to make – he has 111 minutes left to live. He received the bad news from the doctor three months earlier, but has withheld the news from the family until now. His wife, dizzy Dawn (Mary Milbourn), seems to miss the poignancy of the situation, and takes the news with a pinch of salt.

          Their son, Michael (Michael Bayliss), has been married several years and is a successful businessman, despite having very little personal encouragement from his father. The older sister, Debbie (Francesca McDade) is approaching middle age and to her father’s horror, has still not found a partner, whereas Karen (Ines Tedesco) – the darling of her father’s eye – is perfect. All he ever wished for, and she is about to be married. Perfect!

          Ron has his impending death fully organised, even down to the visit from the funeral director (Ryan Morano).

This play is only about 70 minutes long, but it is tightly written. Extremely funny, well directed (Chris Bedding) and considering that this is the very first production from Ellenbrook Theatre, most professional. The cast were first class with their pace and line delivery. The body actions and facial expressions required for such a comedy were perfect, good chemistry.

This being a new venture, the capital required for a full set was naturally missing. Hence the set was only basic,  but with good props. Lighting was minimal, poorly aligned but they did the best with what was available.

A most enjoyable night out in a comfortable, 120-seat theatre that has a good, audience-viewing rake. No proscenium arch or stage – but who cares? The entertainment value was there. Congratulations and good luck for the future to this group.