Tuck Everlasting

Darlington Theatre Players’ gentle production of Tuck Everlasting is the WA Community Theatre premiere of this lovely little show, beautifully acted, directed and presented. At the midweek performance I attended it was sadly under-attended - a shame for a show that touches the heartstrings while being a joy to watch.

A single set is used, with the facades of two houses (The Tuck and Foster homes) that we understand are at a distance apart, a water tower and a gorgeous (and climbable) tree, from which running water streams. Darlington are Perth’s tree construction experts, and this one is brilliant. The set design, by Aaron Lucas also allows for the Tuck house to open, like a doll’s house, to reveal a functional, two story, interior. The centerpiece is a clock - central to the theme) through which Musical Director Joshua Holland is visible leading a talented 13-piece band (the set or band alone are worth the price of admission).

The show looks beautiful in other ways (aside from a good-looking cast). Tashlin Church’s costumes are gorgeous, with some lovely features, while an aesthetically pleasing as well as highly supportive lighting design from Shelly Miller and Ellie Jones works particularly well. Ebony Uetake’s choreography is creative, well chosen for ability, nicely executed by the cast and extends to some very prettily styled scene changes.

The protagonist in Tuck Everlasting is eleven-year-old Winnie Foster, who stumbles upon a family resident in her wood, who, due to drinking from a stream in the wood, have become immortal. Winnie has the choice to gain immortality or live her mortal life.

At almost 18, petite Jemima Lee plays a convincing 11-year-old Winnie, bringing maturity of voice and performance, while playing a child with authenticity, in a finely tuned performance. Brittany Isaia is convincing as her young, widowed mother, with Jessica Reynolds lovely as her fresh-of-face grandmother

Blair Price-Morgan is charming as perennially seventeen-year-old Jesse Tuck, youthful and vibrant as he befriends Winnie, while Jason Nettle is strong as more cynical older brother Miles. Excellent performances from Sarah McCabe and Alan Gill as Mae and Angus Tuck, caring, loving and stuck in an unfriendly world - delivering complex and intelligent performances.

Oliver Temby makes an excellent and likable villain as the mysterious Man in the Yellow Suit, while Andreas D’Angelo as Constable Jo, and Luca Daniel as his trainee Hugo are delightfully cast and work well together.

An ensemble with lovely camaraderie is kept very busy throughout, playing essential small roles, facilitating scene changes and providing support - with special mention to Alexander Beevers making a wonderful stage debut in the ensemble and playing Thomas. He shares his role with Tia Lucas.

This is a bitter-sweet family show with broad appeal, that deserves a capacity crowd. Do yourself a favour and see it.

Kimberley Shaw