Last Call

KADS’ open their theatrical year with the first of two plays by Australian playwright Sean Guy. Set over a single evening, three seemingly disparate stories become increasingly entwined, as we add a supernatural element in the form of the personified character of Death. A show that frequently breaks the fourth wall and is aware that it is a play - it makes for interesting viewing.

Steve Moloney plays Damien, who gradually emerges as the catalyst character in this complex drama. Recently separated from his wife, he has set up a Tinder date, in the hope of an evening escaping his worries. Steve’s natural delivery and general likeability (despite what seems to be questionable behaviour) is an asset to the production. His date-for-the-evening Christie is nicely played by Carly Ranger, who wins our sympathy with a well-crafted performance.

Hawthorn, enigmatically played by Aaron O’Neil, is a sometime narrator and our first clue that this play is a little unconventional. A little quiet and uncertain in his first few minutes on Opening Night, he soon hit his strides in an effective performance.

Rex Gray does his best as the Bartender, a role clearly written for a man in his early twenties. Rarely offstage Reg’s character faces an impossible choice alongside Tarek Jabado’s character, known only as ‘Loser” and Guiseppina Mammone’s famous Felicity. These characters face ‘Death’, evenly played by Jay Shaw, who resembles a security guard or perhaps a secret service agent.

Our final characters are “Book Club Girls”, Charlotte, Jelena, and Renata. While they had a lovely camaraderie, I had difficulty believing that these ladies went to school together. Charlotte Weber playing Charlotte wears some beautiful costumes that don’t quite gel, Roxanne O’Connor is likeable as Renata, while Ashlee Simonds makes an impressive theatre debut - playing Jelena with sensitivity and strength.

A little undercooked on Opening Night, with a few line flubs, some notable pauses, and transitions not as smooth as they could be, this is a show with potential and warmth. Lots of positive responses from the audience, with appreciative laughter and audible surprise at times. Great to see a fresh, new work. 

Kimberley Shaw