Neon Tiger

Brisbane theatre creatives are kicking some impressive goals this year and the trend continues with Neon Tiger. This relatable romantic comedy is packed with great songs, witty dialogue and thought-provoking messages. It’s a two-hander, beautifully performed by Lisa Hanley (The Leftovers -- HBO) and Courtney Stewart (Single Asian Female -- La Boite and Belvoir).

The story is about Andy (Lisa Hanley), a young aspiring musician from Australia, who is running away from her problems. She’s staying in Bangkok, working as a karaoke host in a tourist bar called Neon Tiger, when she meets a beautiful American girl called Arisa (Courtney Stewart). Arisa is in Bangkok for ten days, trying to learn more about her Thai heritage, which she’s shunned all her life, in favour of her American father’s culture. In doing so, she’s spent her life pushing her Thai mother away, unwilling to learn anything about her homeland until after her mother passes. Andy and Arisa explore the city together and quickly fall in love. In the process of learning about Thailand and each other they discover so much more about themselves.

The scriptwriting by Julia-Rose Lewis is intelligent, with believable and relatable dialogue. There are loads of laugh out loud moments. There’s a lovely contrast between the two characters. You have the controlled, purposeful Arisa, who spends most of her time questioning everyone’s motives while Andy is procrastinating, hiding from life and just going with the flow like a leaf on the breeze.

Both characters narrate throughout the show which at times doesn’t quite work or becomes a little too predictable or repetitive, slowing the otherwise well-paced narrative. The dual narration shines most when the characters expose their points of view of the same incident and their ideas of what’s happened are in humorous contrast to each other.

Themes include that of fitting in and finding your place in the world; feeling loved versus loneliness. People’s true motivations are explored, along with the causes of poverty, altruism and charity. It’s packed with a lot of Buddhist ideals, especially regarding attachment, suffering and seeking happiness outside yourself instead of finding it within. The script also delves into racism, culture and Australian tourists’ behaviour abroad.

The set design by Sarah Winter is an impressive piece of art. It transforms the roundhouse stage into the streets and tourist traps of Bangkok. Multi-tiered levels give the actors plenty to play with and explore. The abugida-painted steps juxtaposed against western-style graffiti, a moat of marigold garlands, telegraph poles and wires, strung with fairy lights all combine to create a recognisable representation of the city.

Lighting design by Andrew Meadows is very beautiful. Led strips on the steps quickly transform the Bangkok streets into Neon Tiger nightclub. The huge scrim backdrop is backlit to create golden sunsets, bright mornings and shimmering temples.

The music, composed by Gillian Cosgriff, is a major star of the show. Many of the lyrics are absolutely hilarious. The only number that isn’t so confidently delivered is the hip hop piece at the top of the show. The rapping flow feels a little awkward and a tad too difficult for Lisa Hanley, who sings with absolute confidence and excellence in all other songs.

Kat Henry’s direction is excellent, as is the acting from both performers. Clearly this creative team has a lot of trust in one another. There’s a palpable warmth and humanity to Neon Tiger. The characters and story really draw you in to their world and take you on a marvellous journey of discovery.

Kiesten McCauley

Photographer: Dylan Evans