Garrick Theatre’s Debutante Director One Act Season

One Act Seasons in Perth used to be a very common pathway for emerging directors. Garrick has revived this tradition for their first season of 2022, with three very different plays, directed by four first time directors.

Aunt Leaf, by Barbara Weichmann, directed by Adam Giltrow and Kailem Mollard, had the feel of a gothic horror – very stylised and with high impact. It had a gorgeous and moving underscoring throughout, which was created by Kieran Ridgeway and beautifully played live (by Leeanne Van Heerwaarden, Kirsty Malcolm, Kristy Hughes and Kiara Burke). Central character, Annabelle, was played with beautiful facial expression by Ruri Lawrence, with a heavily made-up Ellen Van Heerwaarden bringing impact to the title role. Mason Allan brings strong story-telling skills to the role of the Voice (or narrator), while Matthew Roberts, Sophie and Patryk Smith offer good support as Annabelle’s family.

A Tale of Two Spectators is a clever two-hander by Peter Manos, directed by Roxanne Moore. The story of a couple who regularly meet in the park, there are some lovely twists, and the performances from Christopher Steicke and Fiona Forster are very likeable. Simply staged, well-paced and enjoyable to watch.

Don’t Fear the Reaper is a “day in the life story” about Death. Almost a vignette play, we follow the Grim Reaper (a completely unrecognisable Steve Maloney) as he has a bad day at work. Some strong characterisations from Steve Maloney, the American couple - Jason Jones and Carly Ranger and the extremely laid-back Steve, played by Kyren Cleave. Ellen Van Heerwaarden plays a glamourous Satan, Adam Giltrow is believable as God, with Kailem Mollard good fun as Jeremy. Natalia Smith is lovely as Death’s partner, Conception.

Technical Design for all three shows is by Bailey Fellows, who provides a very different feel and mood for each show.

A varied night of theatre, with something for everyone – there are some emerging directors to watch in this group. This is a particularly inexpensive night at the theatre and the value is huge.

Kimberley Shaw