July Ten

‘July Ten’ is a set of three, original one-act plays by local writers. Presented by Pocket Theatre, which is a small cooperative of local writers started six years ago by Gordon MacNish, Helen Brett and Geoff Pearson. They have since gathered more new writers and a congregation of actors on the way. A great deal of praise and thanks should go to such a group for giving up-and-coming stars a chance.

The plays, by this experienced team, can be seen at the Camelot Theatre corner of Lochee and Solomon Streets in Mosman Park each evening at 8.00 pm, except for the Sunday matinee on the 18^th July, which starts at 2.00 pm.

‘Plumber's Delight’

         After a car accident Tim (Michael Lamont) has been left with an unfortunate condition which is causing distress to his wife, Carol (Jo Williams) and himself. Their doctor, Shirley (Desiree Crossing) has given plenty of advice, but will Brian, the young plumber (Patrick Downs) be the answer to the problem?

Written by John Lewington, this is his first stage play. With lots of humour, this was an excellent first attempt, but the script needed thinning out and a little more subtlety introduced. The cast were filled with life and let their inhibitions go, but I feel that both John and director Garreth Bradshaw have underestimated the audience’s ability to interpret double entendres.

‘Pursuit’

       Once pop star but now a has-been singer, Marlene (Lynda Young) is scraping a living together, far too busy to be bothered with her daughter Britt (Leoni Leaver) who is virtually a street kid. Every time Britt goes home to her mother there is no love – she feels like a stranger. When Paula (Natalie Rees) appears on the scene the maternal ties become even more strained.

‘Pursuit’ was written and directed by His Maj Monologue winner and finals director, Lis Hoffmann. Not surprisingly the storyline is fresh, the script is tight and the mix of emotions wonderful. With three fantastic actors, this play conveys the passion of the situation. Lovely duet, well rendered by Lynda and Natalie, to Krzysztof Piotrowicz’s gypsy music. Magnificent.

‘No Insalata’

         It is breakfast time and Guido (Luciano Vecchio) tells the audience of his morning routine before getting out of bed!! His wife Giulietta (Floss Holt) comes down to the kitchen to find her husband distraught, his magnificent tomato plants have been destroyed in the night. Could it be that mad woman, Mrs Smith (Marie-Louise Ryan) that lives next door?
How can an Italian family survive without their own freshly grown tomatoes? Their old relative, Assunta (Jen Walsh) arrives in her widow’s weeds and she too needs consoling, in her own way – repeatedly. Will Sarah (Helen Gatt) the Dept. of Agriculture specialist be able to help?

Written by Gordon MacNish and Josephine Clarke, the play was filled with clever humour. Superbly directed by Luciano Vecchio, all of the hilarious ethnic characteristics came to the front. The cast were magnificent.

The sets and lighting were simple but sufficient. Three very good plays in a newly renovated, warm and comfortable venue. Congratulations to all.