The Golden Pathway Annual

The Golden Pathway Annual is a vignette play told in twenty-four sketches. It tells the story of Michael Peters as he grows up, accompanied and entertained by his parents’ gift of a subscription to the Golden Pathway Annual.

Simply staged, with rostra blocks and uniform costuming, a cast of five, all female in this rendition, play multiple roles with just the addition of accessories. The story is interesting and examines a period of huge generational and societal change, with the glimpses at Michael’s life both moving and funny. 

Interesting in this coronation year that there is a lovely scene looking at the last coronation in June 1953. This scene has particular resonance as we approach the next coronation, and it is perhaps a lucky accident that this play, originally slated for 2022, is being performed now.

Rebekah O’Brien makes a welcome Australian debut (mostly) in the central role of Michael, a worthy central performance who moves the show well. Fiona Forster is in her element, beautifully playing a range of roles from Michael’s caring mum, Enid, to a dangerous seductress. Erin Shay nicely plays several roles including Michael’s father, with feeling. Amanda Bird’s many roles include a particularly fun chicken, while Ali McNamara completes the cast, adding comic flair - especially to schoolmate Owen. The women all play across gender very well, but we do miss some elements (including a sense of danger at one point) without at least one male in the cast.

A particularly challenging play for a debut director, Roxanne Moore shows a great deal of promise - and the show, despite a little line hesitancy at times on opening night, flows well.

A good choice for lovers of nostalgia, those who like their theatre a little unconventional - and (spoiler alert) fans of the Famous Five.

Kimberley Shaw