Rabbit Hole

Old Mill Theatre’s production of Rabbit Hole is the World Premiere of a new adaptation of this Pulitzer Prize Winning work. This version is set locally in Perth, and the central couple, in what was a story of a husband and wife trying to cope after the sudden loss of their son, now become a gay couple.

This adaptation is interesting, especially for those familiar with this play. While female performers can rightfully complain that yet another excellent role for a woman is handed over to a man, the perspective of a gay couple in this situation is interesting in its own right. We lose some aspects - the desire of Howie to make love to his husband is not doubly meshed with the possibility of procreation, but we gain some elements of judgement and layers in a world where children of gay parents are still comparatively rare. The move to Western Australia also throws some quirks into the script, for example, the timeline on stage is different to that in the program, school balls are rarely in November and the chances of a local student living on campus at Edith Cowan University is low - little things, but they are distractions overall.

Ben Corbett is played by co-director Christopher Hill, in a strong performance that is beautifully nuanced and believable - a welcome return to Perth theatre. Cameron Leese is convincing as husband Howie - another strongly crafted performance - and their shared but different grief is palpable.

Erin Hegarty, the show’s other director, provides relief from the darkness with her delightfully bogan, larger-than-life but always grounded Izzy - Ben’s very different younger sister. Mum Nat is given a lovely layered portrayal by Val Henry. Bella Hill plays the challenging role of outsider Jason Willette, and captures the multitude of feelings in this character, very well.

George Boyd has created a beautifully presented set that gives a lovely sense of Ben and Howie’s style and taste - lit with thought to emotion by Bailey Fellows. Costumes have been chosen with care for character - and a touch of comic relief by Erin Hegarty. 

Not attracting the full houses that it deserves, this is a strong and very interesting production that lovers of good drama, and those who like exploring “new takes” will enjoy.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Rosalyn Anderson