Bookworms

Bookworms
By Bernard Farrell. Centenary Theatre Group (Qld). 6 – 27 September 2014.

This sterling piece of Irish theatre, imagined by Bernard Farrell, is an inspired choice for this company: an Australian premiere, its style appeals to the loyal patrons, CTG attracts splendid acting and directing personnel, so we expect top entertainment. That’s just what they gave us!

Director Brian Hinselwood chose a fine cast and captured the distinctly Irish character of this book club who dared to invite along husbands this time. Therein lay the comedy and drama of this entertainment. Ann (Joanne Smith) and Larry (Brad Ashwood) are hosting this book club meeting in their home. English teacher Jennifer (Meg Hinselwood) and her bank manager husband Robert (Andrew Clulow) are participating, along with single matron Dorothy (Dale Murison).

Clever use of technology enables us to see skype communications between the hosts and their daughter (Eloise O’Brien) on holiday in Australia where something suggested but not actually said provides gist for scandalous conceptions in the second half of the play. Larry’s shadowy brother, Vincent, who lives ‘upstairs’, emerges in the second act to add grist to the gossip, scandal and character assassination in act two.

Hinselwood captures the community ethos of such Irish groups. The company agreed that it really needed Irish accents. The cast convince us they are Irish. It is a very engaging play and deserves continued full houses.

Jay McKee

Images: Brad Ashwood, Joanne Smith and Eloise O’Brien (on screen) & Meg Hinselwood, Dale Murison, Andrew Clulow, Nick Cockcroft, Joanne Smith & Brad Ashwood.

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