State Theatre Company – Dunstan Playhouse
For the final production of the 2010 season, state theatre company has opted for the low brow easy laugh. Written by Tony McNamara, the give and the take is less a poignant message about family values and more a sitcom style short story full of rank comedy and baseless humor. It is however, good for a laugh if you are amused by the idea of peeing on your boss, having sex in front of your father, or the frustration of repeated interruptions whilst trying to take your own life.
The writing aside however, the actors do a great job and are very entertaining in their caricatures of real life. In the lead role Don Locke, George Kapiniaris is very entertaining, and holds the cast together nicely. Pip Miller as Don’s boss is suitably egotistical and Don’s assistant Jim, played by Peter Mitchell was the most sycophantic side-kick ever seen on stage. As Don’s children, Chris Asimos, Matthew Crook and Rhiannon Owen were all strong. Asimos’s character was particularly amusing, and it appeared he had physically bulked up for the role in order to play steroid addicted Damien.
The set design by Mary Moore is impressive and functional, doubling both as office and home spaces and the action is placed well in the space by the director.
As the closing show for State Theatre’s 2010 season it doesn’t leave a particularly memorable impression, but it will finish the year on an easy, light note.
Paul Rodda
20 Nov 2010
