Meteor Shower

Meteor Shower: a Dinner Party of Desire, Deceit and Devotion. 

Not since I saw Nuns with Guns in a sub-basement theatre in Seattle c. 2007 have I watched a more morally loose yet hilarious show that could go anywhere… until last night’s opening night of Steve Martin's Meteor Shower at the Belconnen Arts Centre. 

The set is spectacularly 90’s featuring two pink flamingos, a zebra rug and homo-erotic throw cushions on brightly coloured couches. The cushions provided early hints to the sexual shenanigans that are referenced in the blurb, but which didn’t emerge until around 15 minutes or so into the production. I actually remember thinking ‘I’m not sure when the “bonkers” begins’. Well, begin it did. And it didn’t stop. 

We first meet our plain-jane couple Corky (Jess Beange) and Norman (Sachin Nayak) in their pride and joy home in Ojah, California. They insult and flatter each other in equal measures. Their vanilla lives are about to be turned upside down by the arrival of spicy couple Gerald (Anto Hermida) and Laura (Maxine Eayrs) -- or are they? These four cast members work superbly together with shifting power dynamics throughout. The chemistry is hotter than a falling meteor. It is difficult to choose a standout as the ensemble works so tightly as a unit. They all shine individually and together. 

The reverse-replay-reverse storyline will have you questioning the endeavour, but ultimately going along with the absurdist comedy with plenty of belly laughs and snaughles (snort laughter). Clever but subtle cues in the sound design guide the audience along an unruly and looping path. 

Chris Baldock’s direction is bold and decisive, which is needed to pull the play from the script to the stage in a way that entertains rather than embarrasses the audience.The pacing is tight, and there is great focus especially in moments of silence and tension. 

So, strap in (or is that strap on?) for a night of wild, hilarious, sexy insanity.

Review by Laura Hayden.

Meteor Shower is playing at the Belconnen Arts Centre for a strictly limited season.

9 PERFORMANCES ONLY.  June 26 - July 5, 2025 at 7.30pm / July 5, 2025 at 2pm. 

Running time is approximately 80 minutes with no interval.