Barracking for the Umpire

The World Premiere of Barracking for the Umpire is a moving but funny production about football and family. Touching on a number of serious issues, this first play by Andrea Gibbs is relatable and quintessentially Australian and would be the perfect play to introduce your footy loving friends to theatre - because they will love it.

The story centres around a family drawn back to the family home to watch their father receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the local footy club. Unfortunately, Dad Doug is battling the effects to his brain after a football career of hard knocks - and this has an impact on all the family.

Set in Donnybrook, it features a home that retains its 1980s decor, and feels like a home that you know - thanks to an excellent design by set and costume designer Sara Chirichilli. The intimate space means that the audience is close to the action, and occasional direct address to the audience and entrances through the auditorium bring the audience even further into this world. Effective lighting from designer Lucy Birkinshaw allows action to move outside the major set, and an organic composition and sound design that at times is almost subliminal increases are emotional involvement. Video design, from. Michael Carmody provides great impact, especially later in the show.

The strongest impact, apart from Andrea Gibbs’ heartfelt storyline, is the excellent performances from this ensemble cast. Steve Le Marquand is excellent as patriarch Doug, who is rapidly losing his sense of self, delivering a bravura performance. He is well-partnered by Pippa Grandison as his wife Delveen, in a sympathetic performance of great depth.

Great work from their adult children, believable siblings, each with their own interesting stories. Jo Morris brings great light and shade as eldest sister Charaine, recently separated from her long-term partner. Ian Wilkes is very believable as high achieving son Ben, an AFL player who struggles with his secrets and relationship. Ebony McGuire is strong as youngest sibling Mena, a journalist struggling for recognition.

Michael Abercromby provides some levity as local toastmaster and Charaine’s recent ex-boyfriend, while Joel Jackson does impressive double duty as Ben’s team-mate Eckhart, and the Coach - a kind of Ghost of Seasons Past. 

One of the best new shows of 2022, Barracking for the Umpire is a locally written production that really scores goals. 

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Daniel J Grant