Leading Ladies

Ken Ludwig’s American farce Leading Ladies is Mordialloc Theatre Company’s final season of the year.

Taking place over a month in the Spring of 1952, the plot revolves around two British actors in York, Pennsylvania who are down on their luck. After reading about a dying heiress who is searching for long-lost relatives from England, they decide to impersonate the men, only to frantically discover that the missing nephews… are actually nieces!

The two men, who find themselves in deeper than they ever could have possibly imagined, are played by Bruce Hardie as Leo Clark (and Maxine) and Gaetano Santo as Jack Gable (and Stephanie). The men worked well together, and had terrific comic timing. Hardie was exceptional at his fast-pace dual characterisation.

The always-brilliant Juliet Hayday as dying heiress Aunt Florence is hilarious to the end. Hayday is at her best taking every physical and vocal liberty the script allows.

Matthew Allen as Duncan Wolley is entirely suited to this style of comedy. His mannerisms and facial expressions excelled as the Minister character. Allen created a character full of life, that we weren’t sure if we should love or dislike! He delivered the sarcastic lines insulting ‘actors’ with complete and utter sincerity (and hilarity).

Britni Leslie was perfectly cast as Meg Snider, Duncan’s fiancée. Her rendition of Viola during the rehearsals of her beloved play Taming of the Shrew alongside Maxine/Leo, was beautifully recited and her intonation was impeccable. 

Alexandria Avery was a delight as the ditzy Audrey; a fantastic American accent, and her characterisation was exceptionally well delivered.

Rounding out the cast were Eric Heyes as the inept Doc Meyers and Benjamin Hassey as his son Butch.

Act 1 needed to quicken the pace a bit as it lacked the pick-up that Act 2 absolutely relished in.

Act 2 moved along at a frantic hysterical pace. The completely unexpected tango was well executed and added to the over-the-top farcical nature of Act 2.

To say anything more about the capers of the cast would give away the twists and turns of the plot, especially in Act 2.

Be sure to head down to the Shirley Burke Theatre to see Mordialloc Theatre Company’s Leading Ladies. It is a great way to treat yourself to a night at the theatre, especially at this frantic time of year.

Penelope Thomas

Photography by David Ellis