My Brilliant Career

My Brilliant Career, director Jane Sherwood’s first show at Garrick, is an unusual and stylised presentation of the classic Australian novel, with narration by a Greek style chorus, led by a character representing the author Stella (Miles Franklin).

Originally intended as a production for TAG (Teens at Garrick) this became an all-ages production, with Siobhan Fowler nicely leading the chorus as Stella. As the novel is at least semi-autobiographical (which caused the author some trouble on its publication) she is costumed with notable similarity to central character Sybella. The play follows the plot of the novel very closely.

Rae Barron is lovely in the central role of Sybella, seemingly a similar age to her character, and anchoring the show well. Rae has a passing resemblance to a young Judy Davis, who played the role in the film, which is an interesting touch (though neither resemble Miles Franklin herself).

Travis Wildsmilth is a lovely choice as love interest Harold Beecham, nicely showing the journey of boy to man. Carly Ranger is a standout playing three significant roles as well as aiding the narration - from Sybella’s unloving mother, her free-spirited and encouraging Aunt Helen and the political activist Vida Goldstein, creating three very different personalities. Peter O’Connor differentiates well too, as both drunken father and illiterate employer.

Jan Phillips is loveable as Sybella’s caring grandmother, Altus Vernooy nicely embodies the role of Henry Lawson among other roles, while Roxanne O’Connor makes strong choices as Harold’s Aunt and an overworked mother of eight. Mathilda Theodorsen is gorgeous as little sister Gertie (although she is a little young to be a potential love interest later in the show without raising eyebrows) with Nate Garnett performing well as brother Horace.

The cast is completed by Mia Fellows, Piper Gibson, Guiseppina Mammone and Scarlett Lawrence. As expected, given differences of age and experience, the cast are not uniformly strong in delivery, but all give their best efforts and there is a lovely sense of community in this ensemble.

Largely underscored, the play features composition by Travis Wildsmith and Peter O’Connor and played by actors Travis Wildsmith, Peter O’Connor, Mathilda Theodorsen and Altus Vernooy, stepping out of the action to play at various times.

A good choice for lovers of Australian literature.

Kimberley Shaw