Three in the Bed

If these three plays are indicative of the state of modern relationships, then the world has become a better place. People are still acting like people; they do strange and ill-advised things but do them with respect, dignity, humour and above all, informed consent.

The venues chosen by this new company, in cooperation with Clarence Council and with the benefit of a creative grant, are very much regional. Halfway between comedy club and traditional performance, tables were grouped in the Rosny Barn to be sociable, and the bar was open. The fact that the auditorium was dark, was not conducive to verbal intercourse but the reconfiguration of the simple set was a diversion. A bed, a screen and a different duvet were shuffled to create a new location between each fifteen-minute play.

The plays were charming, the work of three different Australian playwrights. Saturday night, Sunday Morning, by Alex Broun is performed by Isabella Duffie and Ben Stoneman. Waking after an ill-considered one-night stand, what could have been the walk of shame is reimagined into something less sordid. Stoneman plays the boy with warmth, charm, and charisma. What might have been seedy becomes special and a genuine connection between boy and girl is forged. The acting is natural and funny.

Transactions by Scott McAteer is another well written play of charm and humour. A client (Brandon Body) hires an escort (Angela Barnard). Fantasy and reality are flipped, the salaciousness is subverted for something almost pure. There are melodramatic moments when the characters are “acting” other roles in what otherwise feels a genuine and loving representation of the two characters.

One suspects that director, Owen Tubb, wrote the final play specially to complete the triumvirate.  In 3rd, a consensual threesome goes awry as all four actors return to the stage.  The conversation is frank and respectful. Boundaries and consent inform how the action plays out. The characters feel real, and the dialogue is funny.

The strong writing of all three plays, provides the backbone on which is grafted solid direction, a feel for comedy and confident performances.

Congratulations to Tubb, Unknown Creative and Clarence Council for bringing Three in the Bed, to the attention of the public.

Anne Blythe-Cooper

Photo Credits: Jon Gazzignato and Peter Duke.