Exit Laughing

I was lucky enough catch the final performance of Old Mill Theatre’s Exit Laughing. This bitter-sweet comedy centres around three long-term friends who’s weekly bridge game has been a habit for years. The evening after the fourth players’ funeral, they meet yet again for a final game.

Set in the home of Connie, the set, showing a living room, kitchen and hinting of rooms beyond, was designed by George Boyd, second-to-none at creating believable homes on stage. Sensitively lit from a design by John Woolrych, this is a production with high production values.

Well directed and superbly characterised, this play did suffer from a “Where on earth are we?” problem. Cadence and forms of address strongly suggest we are in the USA’s South, with Google revealing a setting of Birmingham, Alabama, but accents are a from diverse locations (one of which is explained with an added line), we have a reference to a Triple 0 emergency number and a police uniform that seems Australian. Ultimately this is a minor quibble, as it does not affect the audience’s enjoyment of the play.

Fabulous work from our trio of leading ladies. Connie is played by Siobhan Vincent in perhaps my favourite role of hers to date. Known for playing strong, upright and conservative characters, this role allows her to play with this image to some extent. Karin Staflund is excellent as Leona, who flips from mature elegance to squealing schoolgirl. Kerry Goode is a ditzy delight, with her character the catalyst for action after she liberates her friend’s ashes from the funeral home, for one final game of bridge. Kerry’s comic timing is simply superb.

Connie’s daughter Rachel is played very well by Daniela Barbosa, while the audience enjoy seeing lots of Christopher Stick’s Bobby - a well-crafted performance from an actor who seemingly can blush on cue.

Not unlike Steel Magnolias with its setting, laughter through tears situations and celebration of mature female friendships, this was a show that the audience embraced, and laughter flowed throughout.

A great way to kick off the year for Old Mill Theatre.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Blake Jenkins