Absurd Person Singular

Stirling Players’ Absurd Person Singular, despite its title, is about the changing fortunes of three couples, told over three successive Christmases. Good ensemble work featured in this often quite black comedy, first performed in 1972.

The up-and-coming Hopcrofts, Jane and Sidney, are played with nice teamwork by Rosemary Schultz and Russell Chandler. Both actors have recently returned to Perth after performing in the South West - chiefly at Bare Naked Theatre, and I assume that their believable on-stage relationship stems from experience working together.

The wealthy Brewster-Wrights are played by Paul Anderson (Ronald) and Vicky Williams (Marion), both conveying 'old money’ and establishment in well-tuned performances. While Paul is a familiar face on the Stirling stage, Vicky is yet another welcome return to Perth.

The final couple, the Jacksons, are well played by Josephine Wayling and Greg Hopson, establishing another convincing coupling, with Josephine Wayling’s almost silent Act II performance being a highlight of the show.

This now 51-year-old play has some lines and concepts that feel a little dated, and this is probably now as much a period piece as The Mousetrap or The Importance of Being Earnest, both contemporary plays of their time. While this nods to a setting “in the 1970s” in the program and with some of Josephine Wayling’s costumes, some of the furnishings and appliances feel a little too modern and the “seventies” setting feels a little loose.

The set, however, is excellent, and the transformation into three different kitchens is very impressive. John Woolrych provides a strong lighting design, including some great surprise effects, and audio recording from Ian Wilson, operated by Joe Teakle, is very effective.

Some funny lines and some laughs in this well-written black comedy.

Kimberley Shaw