First Date

Set over multiple levels, with the live band spread out around the action, the band join in with some of the singing, and venture into costume at times, while the performers pick up instruments and join the band. Blurring the lines with the audience sitting at tables, lots of little innovations from director Chloe Palliser make this show just a little different.

The band is strong, under the direction of Musical Director Kristin Maesalu, playing with expertise, but at the matinee show I attended the sound balance was not quite up to parr, with Mark Beasy’s albeit top-notch drumming drowning voices and obscuring lyrics. 

The performances were endearing, with this ensemble cast working well together, with many playing multiple roles. Lead actor Matthew Walford was gorgeously awkward as nice Jewish boy Aaron, on his first blind date. His microphone failed at the first matinee performance, but strong projection meant that this was barely noticeable. Nicely sung, this was a very likable performance. He worked well opposite Holly Jury, playing an edgier version of the manic pixie dream girl, and sounding great as wild-child Casey.

Grace Johnson was a joy to watch, playing Casey’s married sister Lauren and a variety of other characters including the personification of Google (nice to see Stage Whispers get a mention of sort in this song about internet searches). Lillie Anne Burns was also a delight, playing Aaron’s ex-girlfriend Alison and the archetypal Jewish grandmother among other roles.

Gabriel (Gab) Share made a welcome return to Perth stages as Casey’s fabulously flamboyant gay best friend Reggie. Liam Tickner was strong as Aaron’s best pal Gabe, Henry Hayes ably portrayed Blaze and others, with Cody Fullbrook having fun and being very entertaining as The Waiter.
Sweet and very watchable, First Date was charming and great fun.

Kimberley Shaw