Dead Man’s Cell Phone

KADS’ Dead Man’s Cell Phone is a cosy little drama with a difference, playing at Kalamunda. Directed with thought by Phil Bedworth, it features a talented cast and was well received by the opening night audience, who were invariably describing it as “surprising” and “different”. 

When a stranger’s phone rings incessantly in a cafe, Jean answers it, takes a message then realises the phone’s owner is dead. Drawn to help the owner, Jean is pulled into his family circle, and into the underworld nature of the departed’s business dealings, in a play that can get very surreal at times.

Central character Jean is played with great likeability by Louise Fishwick. Maintaining her natural Scottish accent, she has a lovely natural manner and draws us into her world with charm. Jean forms a relationship with the late Gordon’s brother Dwight, played with charm by Usman Banday.

Gordon’s mother, Harriet, is played with lovely bite and eccentricity by Julie Holmshaw, looking great with a chic new hairdo. Frederica Longo-Huntington is not given a great amount to do as Gordon’s widow Hermia but fleshes out the role well. Clare Alason plays Gordon’s mistress Carlotta and the stranger, and revels in the roles, making them larger than life.

Paul Cook, who as Gordon dies in the opening moments of this play, is given more to do than you would expect, making appearances throughout the show. While he fills the role well, he appeared to be searching for likes on Opening Night, a problem that no doubt will resolve itself during the run.

Costuming, by Joanne Bedworth and cast, was well chosen for character, and Alex Tickner’s light and sound design served the production well. The Set design by Phil and Joanne Bedworth was aesthetically pleasing, but although set simply, the set changes seemed to stretch a little too long and interrupted the flow. I also found myself unnecessarily preoccupied as to why the stage crew were unusually masked.

Nice to see something a little different at KADS. Well worth a look for those who enjoy an unusual story - and for its strong central performance.

Kimberley Shaw