Cosi

Louis Nowra’s Cosi is a play that thrives on chaos, and CTG’s latest production leans into the madness with gusto. Set in a 1971 psychiatric institution, the semi-biographical story follows Lewis, a young director charged with the impossible task of staging Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte with a group of patients whose quirks, compulsions, and vulnerabilities quickly eclipse any conventional notion of rehearsal. What unfolds is a joyful, absurd, and surprisingly tender backstage farce that explores the thin lines between sanity, love, and art.

The whole ensemble impresses with their dedication, preparation, and energy. Each actor is clearly invested in their character and in the shared momentum of the show. At the centre of the mayhem is Tyson Hargreaves as Lewis. His grounded, restrained performance provides the perfect foil for the whirlwind of personalities around him. As the patients push, pull, and unravel, Hargreaves keeps the story tethered, ensuring the audience always has a steady point of connection amid the comic storm.

Justin Ryan’s Doug is an irrepressible pyromaniac whose every entrance brings a surge of mischievous vitality. Ryan’s willingness to take risks gives the role a fearless edge, making Doug’s antics both hilarious and dangerously unpredictable. Equally memorable is Josie Yarham as Cherry, a character she plays with both nuance and warmth. Cherry’s over-the-top affections could easily tip into caricature, but Yarham’s performance balances humour with genuine heart, allowing us to laugh with her rather than at her.

The production team has created a world that feels lived-in and authentic. The burned-out shell of the theatre, complete with graffiti-scarred walls and a real piano, gives the ensemble plenty of space to play while reminding us of the fragility of the characters’ dreams. The lighting is simple but effective, always well-timed to punctuate shifts in tone. Costuming is thoughtfully chosen for each character, subtly reflecting the fashions of the early ’70s while giving clues to personality. The musical choices for scene transitions are pitch-perfect, instantly dropping us into the social and political landscape of the era.

Director Julie Collins brings a clear affection for Nowra’s script, shaping a production that balances slapstick comedy with moments of poignancy. The play’s humour (sometimes broad, sometimes biting) is delivered with an awareness of its darker undercurrents, reminding us that behind every eccentricity lies a story of struggle and humanity. The energy onstage is consistently high, and the cast’s commitment to their roles makes the ensemble feel cohesive even in the height of chaos.

What makes Cosi so enduring is its ability to find laughter in the midst of pain, and to gently suggest that perhaps we are all a little “mad” in our own ways. CTG’s production captures that spirit with heart, humour, and a strong ensemble dedicated to the work. It’s a show that has audiences laughing out loud, while also leaving them with something to ponder on the way home.

Kitty Goodall

Photography by Julie Collins