Managing Carmen

Harbour Theatre, in the heart of Dockers Country, presents David Williamson’s comical but confrontational play about the Australian Football League, its heroes and management, centred around a dual Brownlow Medal winner, who happens to enjoy wearing dresses.

Director Ann Speicher, with the help of co-designer Peter Kirkwood, manages to aesthetically place multiple settings on to the small Camelot stage and make it work well, as we travel from club management offices, to two different homes, a sleazy bar, a nightclub and the beach, smoothly and  efficiently. Lighting, by Rob Tagliaferri, operated by Jane Sherwood and Callum Hunter, adds atmosphere and eases the transitions.

Central character, star footballer with a penchant for dressing like a woman Brent Lyall, is given depth and credibility by Declan Waters, who also looks fabulous in a frock. A believable relationship is established with life coach Jessica Giordano, beautifully and believably played by Jess Lally.

Brent’s manager, the foul-mouthed and dislikeable Rohan Smith, is played convincingly by Gordon Park, although as the woman behind me pointed out (several times), “he shouts too much”.  While much of this is the script - a little more variation by this very capable actor might help. Another likeable performance, in a rather abhorrent role, came from Jarrod Buttery as sleazy journalist Max Upfield. Stacey Broomhead was a picture perfect WAG, and gave us light and shade as Clara Salope, paid by the club to be Brent’s girlfriend.

Solid support came in the form of a believable cameo from Brian Mahoney as football fan Geoff, and extras work from stage manager Charlotte Weber and makeup artist Solonje Burns.

With almost a full house on Monday evening, this is obviously proving a popular choice and the audience was enthusiastic. A great choice for footy fans, fans of Australian drama and those who like a spot of fashion.

Kimberley Shaw