Money and Friends

Money and Friends
By David Williamson. Villanova Players. The Theatre, Seven Hills TAFE, Brisbane. Director: Leo Wockner. March 9 – 24, 2012.

David Williamson’s 1991 corrosive comedy of what it means to be a ‘friend’ amongst the chardonnay and canapés set was given a solid workmanlike production by Villanova Players.

A popular title since it premiered, Williamson’s play, set around a cluster of weekenders on Sydney’s South Coast, incisively skewers the hypocrisies of the Australian middle-class.

Patrick Mullins was an obnoxious and blustering surgeon Stephen, nicely complimenting Mary Woodall’s understated reading of his wife Penny. Carissa Zygis made a striking Vicki, Nick Morrissey as mega-lawyer Alex had his moments, as did Trevor Bond as Conrad the star TV reporter. But it was Dan Kennedy in the lynchpin role of the recently widowed mathematics professor Peter, who gave the best performance of the night. As the character who attempts to brings some honesty to this selfish and self-obsessed group it was a very believable portrait.

Strong support came from Elizabeth Morris as history professor Margaret and Shane Fell as toy-boy Justin. Leo Wockner’s direction never missed a laugh, even if his stage groupings favored straight lines a little too much, whilst Leo Bradley’s uncluttered set was functional and accurate.

It’s the second time Villanova have produced the play. The first was in 2000. With its plot involving dubious dealings by the banking industry, the work hasn’t dated and possibly holds even more currency in today’s present climate.

Peter Pinne     

Images: Ian Colley Photography 

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