Gibbo

This engaging production is a relatable, thought provoking, perfectly cast, unpolished gem.  It is an intriguing three hander that addresses a number of pertinent and topical deeply disturbing social issues, such as the oblique changing of sexual/social mores and whether people should be held to account for actions from a vastly different era of decades ago.  Do we ever truly escape our past misdemeanours?  Then there are also current and pressing issues of toxic sexual relationships, binge drinking, date rape and the search for biological parents.

As a well-crafted naturalistic play, Gibbo would make an excellent VCE text for Drama or Theatre Studies.

This production works well and satisfies an audience just as it is and it is testament to a great team of theatre makers. However, with the assistance of the ‘outside eye’ of a dramaturge or dedicated director to sharpen, as well as some speed runs to hasten the tempo and with the shortening of musical interludes and set changes - this treasure could be transformed into a slick manageable touring show for regional and rural theatres, Mechanics Institutes and schools. 

As a naturalistic work it ebbs and flows.  But , for this reviewer, the whole would be improved with some considered decisions about exactly when, where and how actors are to express their characters revelations, realisations, distress and personal journeys.    

Gibbo opens on a set of a fairly ordinary kitchen/living area.  Kate Stones as Cynthia Greyson, a furtive ghost-like character, creeps into this home. Her actions and demeanour suggest distress and discomfort - there is something haunted in her presence. She is very familiar with this environment and we wonder is she perhaps a relative spying on the residents. 

A husband and wife in their middle years come home, relaxed and happy, enjoying each-others’ company. Actors Rebecca Barnett as Claire Gibbs and Stephen Mitchell as Jeff Gibbs exude the comfortable intimacy experienced between couples.  There is a sense that they are still very much in love.  Shortly after they settle in they are confronted by the unexpected visitor. From this enigmatic start we begin piecing together details about the murky past of the community and in particular the buried history of Jeff Gibbs, the ‘Gibbo’ of the title. 

Also expressed beautifully is a lovely fleeting intimacy between the two women.  Less convincing, however, are the angry outbursts expressed by Mitchell’s Jeff as the story unfolds. More time and consideration on the rehearsal room floor needs to be given to support the actors in making convincing choices about their character’s journeys and how to express them in relation to the bitter revelations of the story.

With the exception of Barnett’s Claire, whose demeanour changes from relaxed and girlish to pensive and troubled and perhaps bitterly accepting - the characters’ journeys lack definition. Stones’ Cynthia is a strong dogged and determined presence.  We come to understand the reasoning for this, however in such an emotionally heightened work I suspect she needs support to further explore and express the complexity of her character and the nuances involved in such a psychologically charged situation.  

Music by Krzysztof Derwinski, although delightful, would serve the piece if it was shorter, sharper and more thematically connected to the actual story.   

With the help of a bit of funding for further development and some intense rehearsal time with a dedicated director excellent three hander as a highly relevant show could really fly!

Suzanne Sandow

Cast

Cynthia Greyson – Kate Stones

Jeff Gibbs – Stephen Mitchell

Claire Gibbs – Rebecca Barnett

Creatives

Written and directed by Sandy Fairthorne.

Music Composer – Krzysztof Derwinski

Sound and Lighting – Neil Harrison

Stage Manager – Francs Taylor-Marshall