After Dinner

Sometimes all the creative stars align to create a perfect theatre experience. After Dinner, presented by Hobart Repertory Theatre Society,was one such show – words, actors, costumes, set, lighting, timing, production crew and audience all conspired to create a wonderful play. Director Petr Divis “got” Andrew Bovell’s deliciously funny script, the actors “got” each other and the director’s intentions, and the audience “got” the result. The outcome was a period piece, with great attention to detail, to re-create the 80s feel, but with a universal portrayal of characters who could have popped up anywhere, in any decade.

At a suburban pub bistro the office girls have come out to have a good time. Monica (Kath Uziallo) hasn’t been out in years. Paula (Laura Gilkes) just wants a table with a view of the band, and Dympie (Astrid Tiefholz) just wants everything done her way. The bloke population is represented by Gordon (John Hoggart) and Stephen (Jon Lenthall), both semi-eligible for different reasons. The ensuing action demonstrates what can happen when eavesdropping and expectations create confusion. Add oysters, Chardonnay and some Valium, and things become disorderly. The hilarious but cringe-worthy scenes that followed are some that we have all observed, or possibly all been in at some stage, with accompanying embarrassment. Chair dancing by all and a spectacular air-guitar solo by Lenthall were excruciatingly funny. Lenthall’s clear diction and gorgeous voice projection carried the show, while his nuanced facial expressions were perfect. He wore the mullet hairstyle with credibility. John Hoggart is a find we hope to see again.

The comedy was beautifully written and balanced, with believable characters who all enjoyed their “moment to shine” within the script. Tiefolz and Uziallo both made the most of their histrionic scenes. The lighting design by Blake Talbot worked beautifully, and costumes designed by Leah Venatacci were balanced for style, colour and visual effect. The statuesque Laura Gilkes carried off the 80s garb beautifully and shone in her role as the amenably nice Paula.

Do yourself a comedy favour. Go out for a laugh, possibly after a meal, and enjoy After Dinner, the funniest, most polished show I’ve seen all year.

Merlene Abbott