Hogfather

Hogfather
By Terry Pratchett, adapted by Stephen Briggs. Roleystone Theatre. Directed by Bradley Towton. Roleystone Hall, WA. Nov 16-Dec 4, 2021

In a very seasonal offering, Roleystone Theatre presents Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather at their temporary home, the Roleystone Hall.

Over nineteen scenes, seventeen actors retell the Discworld novel, where to save the earth, Death is forced to take on the role of Hogfather, a Father Christmas-like soul.

One of the biggest difficulties of the Discworld plays is that they are highly episodic. This production works well to overcome this issue, using an extended stage and putting some scenes around the auditorium, allowing transitions to be swift and effective. Young actors Callan Emmerson and Ellie Jones, who also nicely play children Gawain and Twyla Gaiter, also "sign-post” many scenes, so that we know where we are in the Discworld.

Epic character Death is played with great gravitas and wry humour by a wonderfully costumed Sam Barnett. He is well assisted by Ian Banks as butler Albert, in a picture-perfect portrayal. The real heroine of this story, though, is Susan Story Hellit - very nicely played, with lovely nuance, by Pratchett veteran Michelle Ezzy.

Another Pratchett ‘expert’ is Peter ‘Pear’ Carr, reprising his role as the delightfully dim Banjo, one of the thugs employed by assassin Teatime to help kill the Hogfather, a role that Pear played in the WA premiere of Hogfather eighteen years ago - and a role he plays to perfection. He is ably supported by Curig Jenkins as Medium Dave and Candice Preston as Chickenwire. Villain of the piece, Mr Teatime, is given lovely menace by Aaron O’Neill.

Lovely team-work by the Auditors of Reality, mysterious beings that often talk in unison and sound a little like Daleks. Excellent synchronicity from Daniel Rowe, Caitlyn Boyle and Seren Moulds. A terrifying, two-headed tooth fairy also required some expert cohesion and was played by Lilly Litchfield and Daniel Rowe.

Lots of delightful characters in this, with many performers playing multiple roles and distinguishing them well. William Darlington was good fun as Sideney the Wizard, Ellis Kinear won much sympathy as a very funny Bilious, God of Hangovers, while Monique Nelso was sweetly ditzy as tooth fairy franchisee Violet Bottler, while Christopher Potts brings lovely authority to Chief Assassin Lord Downey, among a plethora of memorable roles.

Settings are relatively simple, which allows for a fluid run. Sarah Connolly’s lighting serves the production nicely. Costume manager Sarah Boyle gives us costumes worthy of a book cover, with some lovely attention to detail and makeup, expertly designed by Yvette Drager-Wetherilt.

Pratchett productions tend to attract an audience that is predominantly “true fans” and they seemed very happy with this production - and the opportunity to visit with Death as the Hogfather after the show.

Lots to love for theatre fans too, in this feel-good seasonal production.

Kimberley Shaw

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