You Can't Have One

This locally written World Premiere, presented by Stirling Players, and directed by the author Peter Flanigan with Jann Rutherford, is being very well received. Gentle and funny, it deals with love and marriage in its various stages.

Much of this show's success is in its lovely casting. Tim Riessen is convincing and solid as recently retired Barry, who is driving his wife of many years to distraction. Janet Weston conveys the many moods of wife Sally beautifully. Eldest daughter Alisha, played by Natasha van Odyck and greenie fiancé James (Kieran McDonald) work nicely together as a couple about to embark on marriage. Unmotivated middle son Cameron, is very believably played by Steve Anderson, contrasting nicely with vibrant and energetic Gema Seenarain as his girlfriend Alice. Neve Havercroft is excellent as youngest daughter Kya, stealing scenes with some cleverly portrayed conniving.

Good support from the supporting cast Jenni Glassford as marriage counsellor Anne and the wedding celebrant, Jim Chantry was an excellent familial match as Barry's father Albie and on the night I attended Melissa Skeffington pulled double duty playing A Visitor and filling in nicely for an absent Carole Wilson as Shirley (although Shirley should have appeared in the final scene — as what happened was confusing). Was disappointed to miss the cameo by Chanel the dog, as mentioned in the programme.

On the night I attended, scene changes were quite slow, and with eleven scenes, this does interfere with momentum, although I have realised now that their stage manager was absent, so this may have added to the time factor somewhat. Future productions may want to rethink the staging. Having said that, the set was sturdy and well constructed and costumes nicely chosen. Lighting was simple and effective, but like the set changes, some sound effects, though nicely prepared, became somewhat tedious.

Although set very cleverly in nearby City Beach with local references, this is a show that could see being performed in community theatres around the country. It deals with realistic, relevant topics and has broad appeal. Congratulations to all involved.

Kimberley Shaw