A Double Bill

You would be hard pressed to find two more different one act plays than those in Wanneroo Repertory’s A Double Bill, currently playing at the Limelight Theatre. The Greening of Grace is a family drama, set in contemporary Australia which deals with huge issues. 150 Years of Roman History in 30 Minutes is the World Premiere of a locally written comedy, and set in Ancient Rome.

The plays are performed on a single box set, nicely designed and constructed and dressed very differently in each half. They share a stage manager, Julie Clark, are both effectively lit from a design by Peter Giles and Alison Mack, and feature efficient sound design from Reynold Bauer and Paul King.

Directed by Tim Riessen, The Greening of Grace showcases a very strong central performance from Julie Holmshaw in the title role. We follow Grace through the loss of her husband, a horrendous life changing experience and her journey back to regular life, then her emergence as an ecology leader and spokeswoman. Julie gives a highly realistic and very believable performance, supported by Sharon Thomas, Doryon Kurtovic and Martin Brown as her daughter, grandson and husband, who form a credible family unit. Lengthy for a one act play, it needed a greater pace, and on opening night some of the line delivery was not quite on point, but the audience seemed to enjoy the depth of issues covered.

The very first performance of 150 Years of Roman History in 30 Minutes, written and directed by Zavier Wileman, reveals a show that is conceptually brilliant - the story of three Roman historians who step up to provide an evening’s entertainment due to the sudden demise of all of the usual performers. If played at peak, this show should resemble a cross between TV’s Horrible Histories and a University Revue. On Opening Night, this production was yet to hit its strides, and improvised asides diminished its punchiness and pace. 

There are some very clever moments, including the “Year of Four Emperors” - nicely spoofed in the style of the Musical Six - nice teamwork from Oleksandr Isaiev (Galba), Lyra Telfer (Otho), Emily Grosser (Vitellius) and Oscar Evans (Vespasian). The three historians are given some insightful historical accuracy, which will be appreciated by ancient history nerds, and have good rapport in the hands of Beau Poole (Suetonius), Laura Kate (Cassius Dio) and Marie O’Brien (Tacitus). Linda Lattimer provides the catalyst for action as the party host, with Cianna Gallen and Ethan Lacey, like most of the cast, playing multiple characters with colour and energy.

Visually very strong (Shelly McGinn’s costuming is stunning), this show, at least early in the run, has an unusual combination of high energy and low drive, which may improve with line accuracy and avoiding a tendency to dither. Still a fun show for lovers of the ancient Romans.

An interesting theatrical combination of shows that provides much discussion and food for thought.

Kimberley Shaw