Two

Two
Written by Jim Cartwright. Directed by Mark Killmurry. Presented by Ensemble Theatre. QUT Gardens Theatre, 1 – 2 March, 2019

There are few actors who could rise to the challenges of Jim Cartwright’s Two as well as Brian Meegan and Kate Raison. Under the directorial guidance of Mark Kilmurry, the duo seamlessly flits between over a dozen recognisable characters in this engaging play. They show great teamwork and trust and outstanding focus when faced with a rowdy audience.

The action occurs in a busy pub run by a landlord and landlady who, in between pouring pints and spirits, jab at each other with barbed tongues. Meegan and Raison are choreographed beautifully as they mime making and serving drinks, dodging and criss-crossing each other. Quick costume changes occur offstage and new, fascinating characters emerge to share their stories. Each one is also marked by physical and vocal changes in the cast members.

Lothario Moth and his long-suffering sweetheart Maud are a crowd favourite. Meegan works the audience very well in the role of Moth, seducing lucky ladies in the front row with his charms. Paranoid Roy, suspicious of his partner Lesley’s every move, elicits a loud ‘Boo’ from an audience member when he becomes violently possessive. You see it coming, as Raison’s body language tells you from the start of the scene that Lesley is an abused woman. In all, there are fourteen characters; some quaint, others intriguing, a couple disturbing, many charming. All are expertly acted, relatable and beautifully flawed humans.

Alicia Clements’ set design is picture perfect – the familiar green tiles and mirror behind the bar, the well-worn barstools, a little table and chairs and eye-searing ugly carpet – all scream ‘80s pub. So too does the soundtrack, which is packed with ‘70s and ‘80s jukebox favourites. Sound designer Neil Mclean should also be commended for the perfectly timed sound effects. Alicia Clements’ costume designs tell you so much about each new character before they even have a chance to speak. Lighting Design by Matthew Marshall enhances the greens in the set design, with lighting state changes timed as perfectly as the sound effects.

The script is a delight for linguaphiles. Familiar language and realistic conversation interspersed with delicious poetic linguistics. Cartwright’s script, when performed this well, tugs at your heartstrings, makes you laugh out loud and ultimately reminds you of the importance of love, connection and our stories.

Kiesten McCauley

Photographer: Clare Hawley

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