on air! on air!

It’s not very often that the opportunity arises to witness history in the making, but the audience at last night’s World Premiere of on air! on air! experienced the opening of a new Australian play and the finished product of Peter Maden’s hysterical comedy.

Set in the advertising department of a metropolitan radio station – CHAOS FM, the action follows the workings of a busy (?) office where disaster seems to attract disaster!

Under the skilful direction of Peter’s wife Helen, on air! on air! is a fast paced romp from go to whoa as we endured the ups and downs of the conniving, manipulating, hung-over and frustrated staff ( and that’s just those who turn up to the office!) as they go about (or buck-pass) their various office responsibilities.

Peter also plays the role of Paul, the ever “eager to please” office manager. Kate McNair – Jane, Libby Bancroft – Shayna, Ron Hailes – Daryl and Sam Webb – Cam and the omni absent Chris are his underlings, striving to “come up with the goods” to meet the advertisers demands! These office types work well as a team but “the glue that keeps the office together” is Tiff, the long suffering, hipflask toting receptionist played brilliantly by Del Halpin.

Tara Page is wonderful as the “impossibly” bitchy Kate and Colin Turner as the Station Manager was delightfully lustful and spineless. The supporting cast of Mark Thomson, Elijah Fuller, Sebastian Golenko, Virginia Leaver and Ann Williams added a great mix of “oddities” to this fantastic cast!

The never-ending Station Identification and advert voice overs (thanks to the hard work of the technical staff) gives the office set a genuine atmosphere.

Roger McKenzie

Image: Kate McNair, Libby Bancroft and Sam Webb. Photographer: Bronwen Rowles.