Coma Land

Coma Land
Written and directed by Will O’Mahony. Black Swan State Theatre Company and Performing Lines WA. Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of Western Australia, Perth. July 20- Aug 6, 2017

This co-production, between Black Swan State Theatre Company and Performing Lines WA, brings this new play written and directed by Will O'Mahony, to life, in an endearing and intriguing production.

Boon, an eleven-year-old genius, finds herself trapped in a strange world between life and death, where she meets other people who are also in comas. Beautiful, surreal and allegorical, this is a sweetly told story that hooks its audience.

Central character Boon is played with integrity by Kirsty Marillier, convincingly very young, and capturing Boon’s intelligence and her sadness beautifully.

Morgan Owen is delightful as Penguin, a young girl determined to fly, while Humphrey Bower brings depth to her protective father. 

Amy Matthews is lovely as children’s party planner, Jinny, gorgeously paired with Cola, a polar bear, charmingly played by Ben Sutton.

Patrick James Howe’s set design employs a well-used revolve, while Chris Connelly’s lighting design brings much emotional input. 

A gentle, clever and intriguing production that provides great for for thought. A wonderful story of parental expectations, pressure, parties and pandas, and a pleasure to watch.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Philip Gostelow

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