Love, Lust and Levity

‘Love, Lust and Levity’ is a collection of three one-act plays. There are two excellent, original works by local writer Bob Charteris and one, surprisingly funny, Chekhov comedy.

This two-hour production from the Stirling Players is showing at the Stirling Theatre, Morris Place, Innaloo. The front of house had another bright and imaginative display based on the theme of the show.

The run, which is attracting good houses, is until Saturday 15^th September, performances are at 8.00 pm

‘You can't Hurry love’ was written and directed by Bob Charteris.

         Retired accountant, Jack (Barry Lefort) is sitting at a table for two, in a busy restaurant waiting for his attractive date Mattie (Stephanie Axon). He has been ‘conversing’ with Mattie on the Internet for several months, and this is their first date.

Great chemistry between the actors and superb delivery. The script was very funny and the situation was true to life. Great fun. Clever final punch line.

‘The Brute’ was written by Anton Chekhov and skilfully directed by Claire Westheafer.

        Distraught aristocratic widow, Mrs Popov (Erin Hutchinson), several months after her husband’s death, is still wearing widow’s weeds. She spends her days stroking and hugging a picture of her husband. She hasn’t left the house in months and relies on the aged, nervous and somewhat pathetic butler, Luka (Peter Flanigan) to look after her welfare.

         One morning, Luka announces that there is an irate man, a Mr Smirnov (Phil Lord), at the door with urgent business. Mrs Popov tries to have him sent away but the man barges in and demands the 1,200 roubles that Mr Popov still owes for horse fodder. Mrs Popov is happy to pay him, however she doesn’t have that kind of money in the house, so asks him to leave promising to pay in the next two days. Smirnov needs the money now to stop the debt collectors.

        How will Mrs Popov handle the situation? Can Luka help evict this ruffian?

Wonderfully directed, with the actors giving a straight, but tongue-in-cheek, performance. Erin especially was required to change mood several times within a single sentence. The serious situation with the rich comedy undertones worked perfectly. Magical teamwork. Very successful.

‘Henry Wharton and the Einstein Fracture’ was written by Bob Charteris and directed by Gordon Johnson.

        Sixty-years-old Henry Wharton (Bob Charteris) is a solicitor. A boring, dry as dust, solicitor. His only excitement in life is researching his childhood heartthrob, singer Petula Clark, and assembling his model railway. Henry has the secretary from hell, Mrs Scott (Janet Brandwood) totally incompetent, but because of his father’s Will request, he tolerates her. He also puts up with William (Gordon Johnson) his legal business partner.

        For most males, the embarrassment of your parents ends at the age of twenty, for Henry it continues as his hippy, flower-power mother (Ursula Johnson) discusses sex aids with her new toy boy, Gerard (Niall O’Toole).

        Henry has no technical skills, relying upon Mrs Scott and his cool young daughter, Anthea (Celeste Underhill) to keep him right. Henry is about to go on the TV quiz show ‘The Einstein Factor’ to answer questions on Petula Clark. 

       How will the quiz go? Indeed will Henry even get to the studios?

A very funny and original situation comedy, that, even though the run is nearing the end still seemed under rehearsed. Sadly many good lines and planned witty circumstances were just lost in the ether. Only Celeste seemed truly at ease acting. Having actors who are also the play’s director or writer can cause problems. On the positive, the overall effect still produced belly laughs; Bob seems to have a natural vent for comedy dialogue.

The tech team of Carole and Ian Wilson, aided by Paul Anderson did a wonderful job. I noticed that one of the very good sound effects came from www.freesfx.co.uk obviously a good source for other community theatres.

Three exceptionally funny sketches. A fun night at the theatre for the almost full house.