A Chorus of Disapproval

Hobart Repertory Theatre Society presented Alan Ayckbourn’s A Chorus of Disapproval to a resounding chorus of intense approval from Hobart theatre buffs.Set in Wales, Hobart Rep’s last show for the 2010 Season is a hilarious romp in which Ayckbourn manages to weave small town sadness, pathos and bitterness into an insightful comedy revolving around an amateur light opera society’s production of The Beggars Opera.

This play within a play used a familiar and ‘classic’ Ayckbourn trick – the play starts at what is the ‘end’ of the story and then goes back in time, looking at the events that led up to that point. There is another twist...The Beggars Opera itself is a play within a play so this then becomes a play within a play within a play!

Widower Guy Jones joins an amateur light opera society to make friends. Bashful and charming, Guy (Damian Brockie) can’t say no. His failing lands him in some interesting situations, including shady property deals, in bed with several ladies in the society, and sees him being promoted to the role of leading man - a task for which he is ill equipped.

Director Ann Lennon-George has drawn on her own experience in dealing with amateur theatre and its members to bring this lovely play to life. With an excellent cast, Lennon-George makes the best of the delightful script. Chorus – Ayckbourn’s 20th play and his most successful - earned him three major British theatre awards including the London Evening Standard Award, the Olivier Award and the Drama Award. It was made into a film in 1989 featuring Anthony Hopkins, Jeremy Irons and Prunella Scales.

Back to Hobart: the Hobart Repertory Theatre display skilful ensemble work, as always. The play is structured to give the thirteen players a chance to shine in their own star turn, which they do with alacrity and tongue in cheek humour. With expert timing and excellent attention to accents and character, the play rockets along. All were terrific, but mention of David Bannister as Dafydd Ap Llewellyn, the energetic and eccentric director of the light opera society and Damian Brockie as Guy Jones is necessary. Every performer earned their stripes – there wasn’t a dry eye in the house – we were all laughing so much. Thanks again, Hobart Rep.

Merlene Abbott