The Viewing Room

The Viewing Room is a black comedy set in the viewing room of a funeral parlour. When the not-so-dearly deceased begins to talk to his family, things take a strange turn.  Presented by Wanneroo Repertory, and directed by Tim Riessen (who has been very busy, with a One Act Play opening at Roxy Lane this week), 

The curtain opens on an initially very impressive set, designed by Charlotte Weber and Peta Anderson. It sets the scene nicely, and the scenic painting by Ursula Kotara is excellent - but there is some lack of attention to detail - for instance the wood panelling behind the furniture is not completed - and the coffin - a key propm has noticeably torn lining and the lid is “wrong”. This continues a little in other areas. Shelley McGinn’s costuming shows great thought to character, but Matthew’s green jacket (another key item) seems too small - although perhaps he has owned it a long time.

There are some impressive performances. Rex Gray works well as the blustering patriarch, recently deceased Chester Dumbrowsky, and coped well with a crackling microphone (he is miked for plot reasons). Newly widowed Florence is played with conviction by Julie Holmshaw, and she manages to give this character believability despite some questionable lines. Michael Balmer as middle son Stephen works hard to hold this show steady, in an earnest and credible performance.

Real life sisters (I am told) Mary Angus and Diane Campbell, play sisters Debby and Patti, and perhaps unsurprisingly have strong rapport. I am told by people sitting at the rear, that they were a little hard to hear, but they were immersed in the roles. Jeremy Darling makes a late-in-show appearance as prodigal son Chet Jr, played with a good sense of self. Marie O’Brian is funeral director Jay. Lovely to see this front of house regular back on the stage.