Simon’s Final Sound

Playwright Finnegan Kruckemeyer specialises in writing commissioned plays for a young audience. He was asked to write a comedic play for an older audience, to include actors whose work he was familiar with from profit-share theatre company Blue Cow Theatre. The result is the silly, naughty, fast-paced comedy Simon’s Final Sound.

Actors Guy Hooper, Mel King, Jeff Michel and John Xintavelonis have worked in many productions together, both on and offstage, and form the basis of a tight and busy theatre scene in Hobart and further afield. These four actors are known for their comedic timing and cohesion as a group.

Although a comedy, the story has the characters to carry some pathos as well, touching on some universal themes. How would any us know what we would do in a life-changing situation, such as, losing one of our senses? Finegan’s play is about people who strive but frequently fail. Simon is going deaf. Michael has a dull bank job, and his wife Ginny’s life is unexciting. Claude is a fool but he does have a boat! Together they embark on an epic South Seas adventure in search of a magical, possibly non-existent, island. This adult’s play, with some naughty bits, is full of silliness and is unashamedly entertaining. It was written to showcase the talents of the actors, known respectively for their insight and acting abilities across many theatrical genres. Guy Hooper is a quintessential “everyman” – the person we can relate to with empathy and love. Mel King’s expressive face and comic timing are perfect. Jeff Michel is “Mr. Rubber Man” – vibrant, athletic and adaptable, as we have seen in many productions. John Xintavelonis’s national and international experience in musical theatre, comedy and drama is consistently top-notch. What a group, and what a drawcard. It is a delight to see new theatre, and when it has been purposely written as a vehicle for the talents of four wonderful actors, a double delight.

Director Robert Jarman brings his considerable directorial skills and understanding of the actors to draw out every nuance of their different abilities. This play was an illustration of how the theatrical necessities, such as lighting, sound and set, all added to the effect. An example was the scene of a storm at sea, when every theatrical aspect contrived to convince us that the boat really was heaving. Most effectively seasick-making, for a moment, and a lovely instance of slapstick comedy! Thoroughly entertaining!

Merlene Abbott