Caravan

Donald Macdonald’s Caravan is the holiday we would all like to forget; the story of three couples on a caravan holiday in NSW.

Peridot Theatre’s amazing set represents a rather long caravan, open-sided to reveal the interior where all the action takes place, with outside events achieved by excellent sound effects, from hitting one’s head upon entry, to erecting the annexe, to the thunderstorm and rain which kept the holiday makers inside the caravan for two weeks.

The production flowed smoothly and featured good timing and great performances from the cast.

Michael Knowles impressed with his portrayal of Parkes Robinson, the frustrated caravan owner, who missed out on his usual site, a fact of which reminded everyone continually throughout the evening.

Tamara Hill-Beary gave a good performance as his wife Penny, quietly trying to keep the peace till …

Alan Thompson and Bronwyn Cameron played their friends Rodney and Monica Rice. Thompson captured the role with professionalism giving a great interpretation. Cameron was superb as Monica, the friend who despised camping and was always needing a brandy. What a performer, really living the part.

Their bachelor friend Pierce, who was keen on younger women and also not fond of roughing it, was played exceedingly well by David Lawson-Smith. His young lady on this holiday, Gwendolyn, well portrayed  by Llaaneath Poor. Gwendolyn was rather out of her element, not helped by Monica. Poor captured the essence of the role very comfortably and has good stage projection.

A positive first night with a good rapport shared by all the cast. An Australian comedy that most of the audience could identify with, judging by the reminiscences about caravanning holidays among various audience members after the show.

Peter Kemp

Image: Alan Thompson,Michael Knowles, Bronwyn Cameron, Llaaneath Poor and Tamara Hill- Beary in a publicity photo for Caravan. 

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