A Strategic Plan

For those in the small-to-medium sector who survived George Brandis – and kept their sense of humour – there are big laughs in A Strategic Plan. 

In from the cold, rock muso Andrew (Justin Smith) is now the dedicated CEO of a music studio for teenagers, Staccato; he’s has just finished an ambitious Australia Council application. But Staccato’s sleazebag chairman Simon (Matt Day) recruits HR monster Linda (Briallen Clarke) to help roll Andrew as a failure in strategic planning.   

This is masterly comic writing from writer Ross Mueller – these scenes mocking the chasm between the arts purpose of not-for-profits and the corporate strategies and workplace jargon so natural to many directors now, in fact, on the boards of such arts companies.  Clarke shines as the insufferably saccharine mistress of management speak, as does Day as the besuited cynic looking to his vineyard and developing political career.

Poor shuffling Andrew doesn’t stand a chance, and the play dips into an interesting darkness as his life unfolds.  But adding heart to his purpose is young employee Jill (Emele Ugavule) who rises from the wreckage with a new generation defiance.

Director Chris Mead keeps the comic action tight and real on a loved if battered sound studio set from Sophie Fletcher. Verity Hampson’s lighting nicely punctuates and, in one hilarious scene, adds sharp comedy.

The play’s editing could be tightened and its dramatic chronology smoothed, but Mueller’s new play – with such an accomplished cast - packs a lot of heart and satirical punch into just 90 minutes.

Martin Portus

Photographer: Brett Boardman