Jack and Millie

This is an endearing play which is based on Alaine Beek’s own personal battle with breast cancer. The idea of sharing such a personal, heart-warming story of resilience is a brave one and the story enters some very delicate territory. The text shows how Beek’s approach to dealing with her illness was to take it in her stride and to avoid allowing it to interfere with her life, despite the constant everyday disruptions. Dealing with doctors and concerned friends and family members are elements which are portrayed in a very identifiable manner.

Ross Daniels exhibits enormous versatility in his roles as Declan (Millie’s friend who becomes a romantic interest) and Mum (Millie’s mother). Daniels also plays other roles and is masterful in his change of facial expression and demeanour for each character. They are signalled purely on his exemplary acting skills. Phil Cameron-Smith as Jack is positively spectral. He expresses a level of exuberance and naivety that is often attributed to ghostly characters. He makes great use of proximity to Millie and makes it very clear what a persistent and constant presence he is in her life. 

Beek plays Millie in a very subtle and straightforward manner, and this anchors the play’s realism nicely. The text can be somewhat didactic in its approach and is sometimes explicit in its agenda, but this is tempered with a very imaginative approach to the performance. The set and costume design are simple but effective and the very stylised performances, particularly by Daniels and Cameron-Smith, help to give the play its charming quality.

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Parenthesy