A New Way to Pay Old Debts

Massinger was a Jacobean playwright whose works slipped into archive recesses after successful productions. This social satire with an underdog-overcomes-oppressor theme resonates even today. Well done BAT and Ron Kelly for introducing Brisbane to it!

Massinger lightens his theme with comedy; director, Ron Kelly, and his cast spice it liberally with panache while retaining the archaic language. They play it in modern dress, even adding mobile phones and i-pads. I had trouble reconciling the five hundred year gap; might have been easier in a modernised version.

That aside, I quickly adapted to the intrigues. By the end I applauded Vanja Matula (Frank Wellborn)’s journey back from rags to riches. He plots against the dominant, conniving Sir Giles Overreach  ̶ a sterling performance from Steven Tandy who relishes the major villain role here. Those two spark off each other as the story unfolds. It is a dense plot. Relax and join the roller-coaster ride, you, too, will become involved quickly.

Chancie Jessop’s eye-catching set grabs your attention initially. She successfully divides the stage into four playing areas, each with its own entrance/exit. Clever back projections in one area define two quite different locales, making five. Michael Sutton’s lighting supports her artistic vision.

It’s a big cast with no weak links; some just have very memorable parts. Two women at the heart of the plot do splendid jobs: Sarah Greenwood (Margaret Overreach) and Jessica McGaw (Lady Allworth). Tom Yaxley as Sir Giles’ obsequious lawyer, Marrall, does little for lawyers’ reputations. Greg Scurr (Greedy), Andrew Lowe (Lord Lovell), and Natalie Ridout (a buxom Froth) make the most of their minor roles. To all, congratulations.

Jay McKee

Photographer: Dan Ryan.