Kalamunda, Here I Come

Kalamunda, Here I Come, by West Australian author Noel O’Neill, had its World Premiere and a successful run at the Irish Theatre Players in late 2016. KADS now present this show in its “spiritual home, in Kalamunda.

Noel O’Neill, who is Cork born, and often has an Irish flavour in his writing, now lives in Kalamunda and tells the tale of a young Irish woman who is considering a move across the world to the strange sounding Kalamunda. A kitchen-sink drama of the best kind, it deals with family life and is warm and funny.

Elmer Baylor is delightfully likeable as central character Lulu, a vibrant young nurse with a need to stretch her wings. We meet her family, with parents, four brothers and grandmother. Gerry Grogan gives a natural relaxed performance as Daddy Paddy. Denice Byrne makes a lovely, loving Mammy. The brothers are a great team. Conor Rice is suave as Davey, who is a bit of a lad, Ultan Keily is believable in his first full-length production as unemployed Charlie, Brian O’Donovan is convincing as budding comedian Billy, and Nathan Holland has lovely timing as youngest brother Mikey - and sports a convincing Irish accent despite being raised in Australia.

Rounding out the cast nicely is Stanley O’Neill who (spoiler alert) is missed in the second act - in one of those roles that The Art of Course Acting would describe as good for getting to the pub early.

There is a lovely understanding of the situation, possibly due to the director Caroline McDonnell, and almost all the cast, being Irish transplants. The style is very naturalistic and there are beautiful moments of truth.

Noel O’Neill, Bill Weighell and Geoff Rumsey created a combined kitchen, dining, lounge and entry way set on the tiny stage, which feels cramped but realistic and lived-in. Sound and Lighting, by Mark Ramsey and John Spurling, was well managed and nicely timed.

An entertaining and enjoyable show, with that is bitter-sweet and uplifting.

Kimberley Shaw