Old Love

Usually when you see a show that feels very tight, very polished and beautifully finished, it is the result of a year or more’s planning by the director and many months of thought and preparation by the production team prior to rehearsal. Old Love feels like that - but it was in fact a very late replacement in the season, replacing not one, but two alternative productions slated for this season.

From the beautiful poster, which at first seems an unusual choice, to the final curtain, this is a deeply layered production with an uplifting story that seems a perfect choice for this time. Narrated by the mature Molly and Bud in the present time, this is a gentle romance and story of hope, where the action jumps back and forth over a 25 year period.

Director Vanessa Jensen gives us an interesting multi-space set, nicely constructed in a family effort by Vanessa, Jacob and Lars Jensen, with sympathetic lighting and sound also by the Jensen Family team. Costuming by Michelle Sharp and team seems deliberately timeless, with no obvious jumps in era between the past and present, but no obvious anachronisms - giving a sense of unity.

Bud in the present is expertly played by Geoffrey Leeder. Geoffrey announced his retirement a couple of years ago, but I am so glad that he has returned to the stage for a series of fine performances, of which I feel this may be the strongest. A charming, touching and beautifully handled performance of an interesting character and a characterisation that is beautifully placed.

Molly in the present is a delight in the capable hands of Susan Lynch. Wonderfully nuanced, she charts a beautiful journey with a character we come to love.

Young Bud and Young Molly are very nicely cast, and it is clear that effort has been made with the actors to make seamless transitions between the younger and older versions of the characters. Callum O’Mara is a delightfully awkward Young Bud, with a gentle comic flair, while Sarah Harris creates a forthright young Molly who lights up the stage.

Strong support from the remaining cast. Nikki Di Camilo brings strength and a likeable performance to several not-so-likeable characters, with Chris Northover creating both Arthur and his son Arthur Jnr - and making them very distinct. Stage Manager and ASM Michelle Sharp and Laura Mercer complete the cast with some cameo appearances.

We don’t see a great deal of mature romance on stage, or “old love” as it is referred to in this play, and it is wonderful to see this so sensitively and nicely portrayed. Not just for the ‘oldies’, this little charmer of a production will have broad appeal and is worth a look for anyone who loves a great story, well told.

Kimberley Shaw