Prospect Terrace

This clever play revolves around a dying patriarch and his two daughters as they act out an end of family era drama in an old Queenslander. The plot sounds familiar, but what makes this drama exceptional is that the characters are all so ordinary. There are no arrogant billionaires here, with siblings cowering in the background hoping to claim the prize. Instead, all the characters are normal, recognisable, but flawed and decent at the same time.

Bill Tranter as Jack plays a suitable doddery patriarch whose many character defects are not submerged by old age. Jack does have some money, but nobody seems to know how much and where it is. Good work this by Bill.

Kirsten Adams plays Pepper, a daughter who believes she has made sacrifices, especially after their mother died so tragically of breast cancer. Kirsten, who always gives a powerful performance, excels in the role of the angry, gambling addicted elder daughter.

As Bunny, Carlie Hill is equally as good as the younger daughter who wants to do charity work in Africa. Bunny looks innocent enough, but she too has flaws. Carlie has been away from the stage for some time, but you wouldn’t know it from this performance.

Thrown into the mix is Delores, a mystery figure who has a special hold over Jack. Delores is played by Penny Scott in what has to be one of the most intriguing characters seen on stage for a long time. Penny’s performance is outstanding.

The script is brought to life by directors Catriona Arnold-Nott and Grace Chapman, who have put together an excellent production on an elongated stage. The various scene changes are carried out with the help of an efficient back stage team, who keep the action moving smoothly.  

Prospect Terrace is a well written, entertaining drama and is possibly a break through play for talented Cairns playwright Angela Murphy.

Ken Cotterill