Bullies

The world premiere of this moving original commissioned work by Reg Cribb, is presented by Second Year Acting Students, and designed built and crewed by Production and Design Students.

Reg Cribb, working with WAAPA with support from the Mindaroo Foundation, has created a collection of stories and songs, all based on real-life incidents that reveal people’s vulnerability to bullies.

This is a strong ensemble cast, who work well together, changing characters convincingly and performing with intensity and passion. Jessica Veitch (Sarah) and Bryn Chapman-Parish (Paul) stand out, as they feature in a story that provides a through-line in the wider narrative, the true story of an Australian exchange student who raped his European girlfriend and sought forgiveness many years later. Beautifully and sensitively acted and portrayed, they are an outstanding pairing who show great depth and talent.

The show is highly episodic, with nearly all of the eighteen cast members having a moment to shine, from Peter Thurnwald’s interesting and affable narrator, Saskia Archer’s victim of revenge porn, Ben Chapple’s disturbed victim turned killer, Jonathan Lagudi’s wonderfully portrayed Jake, Ruby Maishman’s strong portrayal of a conflicted parent, Kaya-Marley Jarett’s artist with a past and Mariama Whitton’s nicely characterised teacher, to mention but a few.

Music plays an important role in this show, with Reg Cribb providing original composition and accompaniment on guitar, assisted by Matthew Henry on cello. Many of the cast sing well, and movement, as directed by Sam Chester has impact and is well executed.

The show looks great with student designer Ashlea Langsford’s constantly surprising set used to great effect. Lighting design by James Glasson, shows bold, emotive choices, with Maddison Bradfield’s sound design equally effective. Monique Doubleday made subtle but effective decisions with costume design, with production management by Daley King and stage management by Sophia Morgan seemingly smooth and well managed.

Despite the bleak subject matter, the message of Bullies is ultimately uplifting, a story of survival and hope. An engaging and exciting production of a moving and fascinating new play.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Jon Green