Folk

Folk is charming, moving, and funny, feeling less like a play than an invitation to pick up a tin whistle. The stage is open, welcoming the audience into Winnie’s lounge room where come-as-you-are acceptance is the order of the day.

And whilst Winne might be a larger-than-life depiction of a modern nun with several unholy habits, she, Stephen and Kayleigh come across as real people who are conflicted, challenged and relatable.

The set is charming. The under-stair kitchenette (boasting a quaintly retro refrigerator door) is the focus for much making of tea. Catholic iconography is evident but kept within bounds allowing the eye to be drawn to stencilling (wind-blown gingko?) on the calm green of the walls. These walls extend well into the flies to allow for the large backlit window and the upper story bathroom, both of which assume some significance in the plot.

The set is beautifully lit to indicate change in time and time of day and to facilitate moods and transitions. Julie Raphael seems to have favoured a palette of grey-blue, as evinced by Winnie’s habit, which harmonises with the bluegrass green of the walls.

Director Natalie Venettacci has assembled a wonderful cast. Winnie might have been written for actor, Tam Bloomfield. Bloomfield brings warmth, humour, and a great deal of verisimilitude to the role. Winnie can be outrageous but also wears her heart on her sleeve. Bloomfield expressed a great deal of silent emotion whilst holding the stolen item from Lloyd’s pharmacy.

Andrew Holmes is critical to the musical element of the show. Holmes is a capable actor, comfortable with Stephen’s accent, his prejudices, fears, and vulnerabilities. Stephen is given by Holmes as both prickly and sympathetic, yet very believable. His softness in the final scene enforces the central point of the play, that we are all here to help each other along the way.

Elise Bagorski as Kayleigh is a delight. Bagorski has a compelling singing voice and maintains her impeccable accent and character through several musical interludes. Bagorski is comfortable in her body, abusing the furniture like any 15-year-old.  Kayleigh can also be a prickly character, but Bagorski also gives her youthful naivete and optimism.  Every cast member gives a performance that is relatable and real.

Folk is a charming piece by young playwright, Tom Wells. Wells reminds us that when everything is truly awful, we need to care for and take comfort and pleasure in each other’s company.

Anne Blythe-Cooper

Photo Credits: Wayne Wagg and John Oxley