That Face

The WA Premiere of Polly Stenham’s That Face is currently playing at Stirling Theatre. This fascinating, little-known play, which had a West End run, and was written when the author was just nineteen, features a strong cast.

Fifteen year old Mia is at boarding school and has her mother’s drugs. When she over-doses a younger student during a hazing, Mia is sent home pending expulsion. We find her mother and brother. He has left school to care for her as she is alcoholic and mentally unstable and their relationship is unhealthy on many levels.

Yvette Wall, better known as a playwright, came into the show late in the rehearsal process. She delivers a very competent and credible performance as Martha, whose life is falling apart and who is dragging her children with her.

Son Henry is well played by new-comer to Perth Paddy McAuley, in a sensitive, thoughtful performance. Perhaps a little mature to play eighteen in a small theatre, he brought notable skill to the role.

Juliett Greenock was excellent as Mia, with lovely nuance and a believable acting performance. She worked well with Hannah Anderson, making a very impressive community theatre debut as strident classmate Izzy. Poppy Bloor also made a theatrical debut in the rather thankless role of Alice, giving this small role depth and humanity.

Rounding out the cast was Peter Neaves as Henry and Mia’s father Hugh - who gave this late to appear role importance and meaning.

While there is a little bit of ‘accent soup’ happening, the teamwork and commitment to the task are admirable and the complex relationships are well presented.

This eight scene show demands some back and forth with scene changes and some major set pieces in the form of beds and settees. Nice work from Stage Manager Dave Wall and the crew, with a 'magic set piece’, and changes were completed relatively quickly. John Woolrych’s lighting design was subtle and effective with sound design by Daniel Toomath complementary and appropriate.

A solid show with an interesting plot and a strong commitment to storytelling. It is well worth the risk of braving the risk of an unknown show to catch this production. It deserves bigger audiences.

Kimberley Shaw