Europe

For a play that made its debut in 1987 Michael Gow's Europe is remarkably current. Really not a lot has changed in terms of the Australian desire to pursue global culture overseas, particularly in Europe, rather than explore what's on offer domestically. I'm sure each you have plenty of friends on Facebook who are sharing their snaps right now.

Call it cultural cringe, wanderlust or just simply a society which loves to take two steps forward and one step back to the future, it still exists today just as did back in the 80s and before that. It's also a clever programming choice given what's going on between the US and Russia. Did anyone say Cold War 2.0?

On the surface Europe is a very funny, very witty farcical look at a clash of cultures through rose coloured romantic glasses. But as stated above its much more than that and in order to do the script justice, director James Beach had a challenge on his hands to find two actors who could handle such a sophisticated script without it turning into a a Christmas lunch with a massive ham front and centre.

Enter Pippa Grandison (Barbara) and Andrew Henry (Douglas), the dynamic duo. The reason this production is such a joy to watch is because of these two individuals, who together are more than the sum of their parts. Grandison (known for her musical theatre ability) hilariously embodies the tortured, melancholic Barbara and Henry answers this with all of the funny antics of the good old Aussie backpacker. Both have impeccable comic timing and neither slip into silly cliches which can tend to happen when playing a stereotype.

Europe makes a you consider the world, where it's at, where you're at in it and why we haven't seen more Gow productions in recent times. A reminder of another great Australian playwright - not to get all culturally cringey or anything.

At around an hour this is a short sharp trip to Europe and I suggest you take it.

Whitney Fitzsimmons

Photographer: Kurt Sneddon, Blueprint Studios.