Better Late Than Never

Running for a sadly very short season at Subiaco Arts Centre, blue joy theatre company’s Better Late Than Never is a beautifully performed story of friendship and loss.

Originally developed as part of WAYTCO’s 24 hour play generator, this fully realised production follows a trio of friends from the beginning of high school through, graduating, sharing a home and beyond university. It features portico storytelling, finding ‘your’ people, unrealised romance and the grief of lost memory. It also explores what happens when the world of one of the friends begins to shrink rapidly and what they can do to support him.

Great performances from all three actors, all of whom have a great rapport and work together like old friends. Lizzy Ellis is a delight as super confident smart girl, and nominal leader of the three, Ali. Rebecca Collin shines as Stella, whose love for Jack may go beyond friends, while Nathan Calvert gives a great physical and emotional performance as the ill-fated Jack.

Simply set, as we expect from a Fringe show, the furnishing includes some nice ring-of-truth detail, and costumes, making one small change mid-show, serves the characters well. (Both set and costume were designed by Megan Mac). Emotive and appropriate lighting was designed by Reece Horne.

A lovely and moving one act play that would work well in other settings, and deserves to be published. The performances were strong and it was a pleasure to watch.

Kimberley Shaw

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