Last Cab To Darwin

Earlier this year, a valued and much loved member of the Perth community theatre community, 104 year old David Goodall, made international headlines when he travelled to Switzerland to avail himself of physician assisted suicide. In 1995, voluntary euthanasia was briefly available in the Northern Territory, and terminally ill Max Bell attracted similar media attention when he drove from Broken Hill to Darwin in order to die with dignity. Last Cab to Darwin is the story of Max’s journey, and his desperate dash home to his beloved neighbour Polly, when the opportunity disappeared.

This is a show that is ‘star driven’ and the character Max rarely leaves the stage and appears in almost every scene. Rex Gray delivers a bravura performance as the rough round the edges, battler Max. A likeable but flawed character, Rex gives us a solid and admirable performance.

Polly is beautifully played by Beccy Garlett, with a gorgeous natural delivery and genuine, believable emotion. Old Mill audiences may remember her award winning performance in Parramatta Girls some years ago. This performance is even stronger and expertly drawn. 

A strong support cast of a dozen play a plethora of roles. Standouts include Andrea Von Bertouch’s passionate doctor, Valerie Henry’s fabulous mute barmaid, Lachlan Stokes’ wonderfully likeable Tilly, Vanja Clayton’s caring Julie, Garry Davies’ larrikin Dougie, Kit Leake’s interesting Beano and pretty much all of Julie Holmshaw’s appearances. There’s solid support too from Jaclyn Clarke, Mia Majella, Jeremy Smith, Martin Ralph and Trevor Dhu.

Canine actor Alfie Leake, as ‘Dog’, appeared to understand his role and his reluctance to cross the stage to meet his character’s demise, was a beautiful bitter-sweet moment.

Rhiannon Walker’s corrugated iron set gives a great sense of place, and is beautifully complemented with an evocative lighting design from John Woolrych and excellent projections and AV by John Spurling.

This is an exceptionally long show, and while it never dragged, occasionally transitions could have been faster and some action could have been pushed slightly. Strong characters and a commitment to the story kept the audience focused and attentive.

Last Cab to Darwin is a great chance to catch a solid, uniquely Australian play. Well done to all involved.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: John Woolrych