According to Rumour

British playwright Robert Scott has written a quickfire comedy that hits the ground running. As the curtain rises, we witness the aftermath of a party that has taken place the previous night. Set in the flat of newly divorced Carter, we meet a half-naked woman named Kitty Kat and his best friend Roger. With scattered memories from the night before, Carter does his best to piece together what has happened before his domineering mother and sister arrive for an unplanned visit.

This is director Lachlan Blackwell’s second sitting in the director’s chair, and he should be commended, picking a hilarious farce and strong cast to bring the funny one-liners to life. Full of controlled chaos and misunderstandings, it keeps the cast busy. The nine actors do well to navigate the small performing space and their understanding of the text only adds to the night’s hilarity.

Kieran Drost does very well in his turn as Carter - his understated performance allows for depth and growth as we head into the chaos of the second act. Kyle McCarthy is strong in his portrayal of lovelorn Roger, whose affections are misguided and misconstrued with side-splitting results.

President of Tea Tree Players Theresa (Lilly) Dolman returns to her first love, the stage, as Harriet (Carter’s mother). Her comic timing allows for more laughs beyond the written word, and she does well to keep the audience engaged. Rounding out the cast in smaller, but no less important roles, are Keyarra Maur (Emma), Carolina Fioravanti (Ashley), Clinton Nitschke (Logan), Kristyn Barnes (Kitty Kat) and playing dual roles, Maxine and Martine, actor Madison Hart is riotous in her portrayal.

Act two continues with musical beds, slamming doors and double entendres. The pace is spot on, and it is clear the cast relish in the mayhem.

This is a strong production, and, given the audience’s laughter on the night I attended, Tea Tree Players have another winner on their hands.

Kerry Cooper