The Bright Side of Life

The Bright Side of Life is a World Premiere comedy, set in an aged care home, written, directed and unexpectedly starring Siobhan Wright, playing at Maylands’ Roxy Lane Theatre.

The story follows Julia Casey who enters the home, ostensibly for a few weeks, while her son Paul organises a granny flat to be built in his garden. The play follows her interactions with the other women in the home and explores the stories of the other residents, Bright and funny, but touching on some serious issues, it offers some lovely roles for mature performers.

Writer/director Siobhan Wright plays central character Julia, after an actor withdrew from the production close to opening night. Personable and convincing, she anchors the show well. Relative newcomer Jason Jones establishes himself well as her son Paul, while Jenni Glassford is efficient and likeable as the nurse in charge.

Josephine Wayling, in only her second community theatre production, is commanding and confident as the sometimes overbearing and snobbish Mona, Mary Carroll is loveable as salt-of-the-earth Irish woman Maggie, Christine Ellis clearly relishes the challenge of playing hypochondriac Betty, with Sylvia Perrin making a very impressive theatrical debut in the often silent, but pivotal role of Annie.

In supporting roles, we meet Tim Riessen as larger-than-life occupational therapist Oliver, Sharon Thomas as the likeable but shady Frankie, with Melinda Perrin making a welcome late-in-show appearance as Bella. On opening night Chris Harris stepped into the role of Jason, usually played by Carl Flynn. Carrying a script on his phone (a clever way to ‘hide’ the script) he filled in well.

The show looks good, with one of the most beautifully finished sets we have seen at Roxy Lane- designed by Siobhan Wright and built by Jim Chantry. It also features the best knitted jumpers that you will see on stage this decade - great work from costumiers Josephine Wayling and Siobhan Wright.

Possibly due to a disrupted rehearsal period, the show on opening night did not flow as well as might be hoped, with a few awkward pauses and a couple of errors. Pace was also a little under par. Having said that, there is a lot to like in this new little show with some lovely moments.

The opening night audience were clearly absorbed with audible emotive responses. A good choice for those who like new work and those who appreciate a gentle comedy.

Kimberley Shaw