One Act Season 2022

Now Boarding by Macee Binns and directed by Rebecca McRae is set on an aeroplane and chronicles the development of an unlikely friendship that develops between two very different women, an uptight television reporter played skilfully by Michelle Ezzy and a down and out singer-songwriter played convincingly by Candice Preston. The economy seats are nicely created and despite the very restricted performance space, this play still feels full of action and flows beautifully. Lovely conflict then camaraderie between the two central performers, who are nicely supported by Chloe Wiggers as the flight attendant.

Dan McGeehan’s A Long Trip is directed by Belinda Beatty and is a bittersweet look at the beginning and end of a relationship as an older couple face the tragedy of the effects of Alzheimer’s’ Disease. An unrecognisable Amanda Maloney and Paul Reed - aged very nicely - play the elderly couple with expert nuance, with their well-matched younger selves played with the lovely hesitancy of a new relationship by Caitlyn Maloney and Christopher Steicke. 

After interval, the World Premiere of No Dying in the House, written and directed by Sean Wcislo, looks at the dismissal of mental health issues (and perhaps women’s health issues), in a clever metaphorical piece. Gina knows that if she leaves her home she will die, leaving her housebound. She also has an arrow sticking out of her chest, which despite being blatantly obvious is ignored by everyone else. Peri Watson is excellent in the central role, with Clare Alason convincing as her caring but clueless mother, Chris McRae fun as her delightfully dim-witted mate and Guy Jackson solid as an unwanted visiting doctor, who like all others just doesn’t listen. This script possibly needs a little dramaturgy, but its concept is excellent and ending superb.

An entertaining and interesting night at the theatre.

Kimberley Shaw