Girls’ Night Out

Whilst the Northern end of the Gold Coast boasts a variety of community theatre companies, the Southern end (until you cross the border) is in the capable hands of the Tugun Theatre Company.

Their second offering of the year is Dave Simpson’s Girls’ Night Out. Like most of Simpson’s plays, the sum total is in the title. Don’t expect anything cerebral from the thin plot or awkward multi scene structure … just go for a bloody good Girls’ Night Out.

In brief, it’s heavily pregnant Jane’s Hens’ Night and her Auntie takes her and her girlfriends to a male strip club, where the abundance of booze and lack of male clothing lead to family secrets (which should have been kept covered by more than a G string), being exposed. It’s raunchy, sometimes crude, but mostly inoffensive (except for one final moment) … just good ‘naughty’ fun – and the audience (even at a matinee with tea and bikkies on the cabaret style tables) LOVED it.

Wily young director Rianna Hartney-Smith has shown real talent in overcoming potential production challenges and has assembled a cast that adds credibility and nuance to the underdrawn characters.

Any amateur production will have different levels of ability, but this production boasts, at its heart, a genuine star performance by an actress I have had the pleasure of reviewing several times now, and I admit to being a die-hard fan. Cassie Baan, as the hapless, pregnant Jane is just exceptional. She oozes stage presence and intelligence as an actor. Every expression, every thought and gesture has purpose, every nuance is there for us to see and the physicality of her comedy timing is superb.   She makes Jane both pathetic and endearing. AND, as I have seen her do before, she took over the role at short notice. She’s a natural born performer who simply owns every role she plays…. especially Jane. I can’t wait to see her again.

It's a very fine female cast all round, with co-director Samantha McClurg setting the standard right from the clever pre-show house-keeping vignette.

Emma Andrews is delightful as the under-sexed Nicola, who is more interested in half price doona covers than orgasms. She adds real credibility to the role.

Jay-Louise Clark gives just enough waspishness to Sara, the older sister who can’t find the right man – but keeps trying. She has a really interesting edge which adds to the depth of the performance.

Tanya McGill plays the “older” woman (Auntie Ivy). It may be 12 years since she has appeared on stage, but she has forgotten none of her craft and is totally convincing throughout.

Director Hartney-Smith says in her programme notes that the task of finding four men who could act, dance and be willing to strip was a daunting task. Overall though, her male cast rarely disappoints. They are all buff, as they must be, and mostly able to hold their own against the strong female cast… though their dancing isn’t going to give Magic Mike any sleepless nights.  

Luke Jones is a blessing as Robbie. He’s another performer with born stage-presence and a warmth which is genuinely endearing. With fine comic skills, he adds a strong dash of poignancy and vulnerability to the scene where Robbie tells his best friend “I’m not queer … I’m gay.” It could so easily have been a throwaway moment, but Jones and his director ensure it carries the weight it deserves. Jones has a plethora of experience, and it shows. He’s far more than just “eye candy”. He’s a genuine asset to the company and the show.

Jack Willing plays Tony – the sex starved son of Ivy and engaged to Nicola, and it’s astonishing that this is his first role. Yes, he was understandably nervous, but he has bucketloads of potential and by the second act he was comfortably at home on the stage, and his moves were certainly impressive, earning loud cheers from the mostly female audience.

Tyler Leskiw shows plenty of flare and bravado as Darren, and is actually at his best in the more seriously weighted scenes with Sara.

Brock Hennessy is closest to our concept of a male stripper. He looks the part and has the moves. He also has a nice quiet vulnerability which suits the innate intelligence of the character. A little bit more work on diction and projection are all that is needed to tap into his full potential.

Kudos to Mary Nicholas and Jessica Wilson…the ensemble players who did everything form clearing the set to serving drinks, and adding additional hype to the reactions.

As usual there is a long list of people OFF stage giving their time for no reward other than their love of theatre. They all deserve a Girls’ Night Out…and so do you! It doesn’t matter what your age is…there were very senior ladies cheering their heads off… this is fun for all those who would love an evening at a strip club but haven’t got the nerve…and you’ll be supporting your local theatre.

Coral Drouyn