The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society production of Macbeth

The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society production of Macbeth is first and foremost not something that you'd want to have to print on a marquee!!  That being said, the silliness implied by the wordy title really sets the tone of the frivolity to follow. Lane Cove Theatre Company (LCTC) has embraced the sheer madness of the plot, whereby whatever CAN go wrong, WILL go wrong, despite the sincerity and earnestness of those who make it on stage.

Fairly early on, the unfortunate Stage Manager 'Henry', a guest artiste in this LCTC production, is coerced into a major, on-stage role simply because the original actor has not arrived and Henry has memorised the entire script. Amusingly, it matters not that he doesn't fit the costume, is not an actor and is effectively a fish out of water for the rest of the play.  And this isn't the biggest problem that the Farndale ladies are facing.

The scenery is cardboard, the costumes are eclectic and the whole thing feels (purposely) like a bad high school production.  Not to mention the disastrous props, random cues, poorly timed and unsuitable sound effects, actors falling in and out of character, incompetent crew and frenzied scene changes. This is the kind of production where, were you in it for real, you would tastefully and sensibly omit it from your theatrical resume.

Elizabeth Carter, as 'Minnie', cannot perform at her usual level which throws off all actors around her, causing chaos from the outset.  Michelle Bellamy, as 'Mrs Reece', the Society Chairman, is busy wearing several hats as she tries to keep the play going, whilst fund raising behind the scenes AND playing two different roles.  She's partially the glue holding the whole thing together and is well-intentioned whilst simultaneously in over her head.  It feels like she's trying to herd a bunch of stray cats.

Isaac Owen is perfectly cast as 'George Peach', a theatre critic who loves the spotlight and has a natural flair for the flamboyant.  Similarly, Alex Yak becomes appropriately frustrated as the disappointed Director of the play which bares less and less resemblance to Shakespeare's work as the performance goes on.

The 'three witches' are brought to life by Pauline Gardner, Chevaun Williams and Victoria Brown who play 'Dawn', 'Felicity' and 'Kate' respectively.  Gardner makes the most of her character losing one of her senses for most of the play, Williams keeps her cool despite being stuck in an awkward dialogue loop and Brown soldiers on despite a ridiculous barrage of injuries that had the audience feeling truly sorry for her.

Last but certainly not least is Joanne Gabbe as 'Thelma' in the titular role, befitting the prima donna of the Dramatic Society. 'Thelma' is appropriately professional when 'on stage' but also throws tantrums and hissy fits when she feels that her co-actors have tarnished her reputation.  Gabbe's performance really grounded the production with her serious delivery of the script and a sense that she clearly is the strongest actor of the Dramatic Society.

The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society production of Macbeth is playing at The Performance Space @ St Aidan's, 1 Christina Street, Longueville until Sunday 26^th February.  If you want to laugh at the endless stream of misfortunes that hamper the Farndale ladies' efforts, get along and support the Lane Cove Theatre Company before the run ends.

Fiona Kelly