A Happy and Holy Occasion

The Basin Theatre Company’s recent season offering is the intense, dramatic, heart wrenching, yet sometimes darkly humorous work of John O’Donoghue.

A Happy and Holy Occasion tells the story of a family gathering in the home of the working class Irish-Catholic O’Mahon family - set early 1942 in Newcastle, just before the fall of Singapore in WWII.

The special ‘holy’ occasion celebrated is the farewell dinner for the O’Mahon’s eldest son, the night before he leaves for the Seminary.

A snapshot of the early 40s era covers racism, misogyny, sexual longings, domestic violence, and understanding of the Catholic Church during those tumultuous times of impending war.

As with all effective theatre, it takes a snapshot with pertinent themes that cross many boundaries and eras.  This play effectively produces a glimpse of life in lower-class Australia with the looming threat of the Japanese soldiers arriving, whilst still holding up a light to the tumultuous political issues prevalent in society today. 

Firstly, I must mention Jaydn Gifford in his first role in a full-length production. A perfect fit for the shy and understated Christy O’Mahon, with some more experience under his belt, he will further develop into a talented force on stage.

Kirby Chenhall in his role as ‘Tocky’ Keating grated on my nerves throughout the entire play – I wanted to give him a good slap myself to teach him a lesson; what better mark of an actor; to infuriate the audience in that way, truly shows his depth of characterisation and true commitment to the role.

Breathing a breath of fresh, truthful air, Emma Barber lands on stage. As the “harlot”, she is the only honest character in the entire play.  Barber was beautiful in this role – strong and opinionated when she needed to be and a soft and calming influence in dire times of necessity.

The true standout performer was Susan Carty, a long serving thespian of the local area. She is a force to be reckoned with, both physically and divinely. She was even boo’ed at curtain call!

Kate McManus and Greg Allen work well as a unit as Mary and Denny O’Mahon, but McManus really pushes high in Act 2. This is where we see her talents truly being propelled into the character, her inner turmoils were heartbreaking to watch.

The set by Gary Bott fits in well with the ‘slice of life’ moments within the play, down to the cracks in the plaster, the taped up window pane, and furniture in keeping with the locals of the play.

One costume note I have to make is, thank you for the seamed stockings on the women!  It’s nice when you see little touches made in sometimes overlooked areas of stagecraft.

Director Loretta Bishop should be proud of the cast she has put together for this production. A few minor issues with pace and delivery of some lines, but overall a very insightful take on a play that is normally considered a ‘dark comedy’.

Penelope Thomas