Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange

Life on Hold Productions’ adaptation of Anthony Burgess’ A Clockwork Orange is very much a passion project for director Sarah Christiner, who has loved the novel for over half her life. This production, which launches the new company, features a script, co-adapted by Christiner and featuring a large cast, with many familiar faces.

I’m not usually a fan of directors starring in their own production, but Sarah’s self-casting as Narrator Alex, a character who sits outside the key narrative, works well, and she is nicely matched with Connor Carlyle, whose lead role of Alex anchors the show effectively.

There is some superb casting in this show, with some leading lights playing much smaller roles than we would usually expect, including impressive performances from Anna Head, Chris Thomas, Rex Gray, Jarrod Buttery and Phil Barnett.

The young thugs, Alex’s “droogs”, stand out in this large cast, with nicely layered performances from Charlie Young, David Heder and Josh Harris, but there are no weak links in this cast of thirty, many of whom play multiple roles.

The production looks good, with interesting costuming and some great AV work (actor Benedict Chau). The sound design (Sarah Christiner and Daniel Toomath) is also a key element. The tiny stage is used to effect, although the lack of a rake and the tightly packed seating may have meant that some action on the floor may be missed by some patrons. Noise pollution from the adjoining bar is occasionally an issue.

This is a production that moves well and tells its story with a punch. Not only for fans of the novel and the movie, but well worth a look for those who like their theatre on the dark side.

Kimberley Shaw