One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

If you are only going to see one play this year, a very good choice would be Darlington Theatre Players’ One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest - a new Australian adaptation of the play by David Wasserman, based on the novel off Ken Kasey. This production is clever, innovative, and superbly performed.

The original American script has been adapted by Chris McRae, Samuel-Yombich Pilot Kickett and Luke Miller, with permission from the rights holders. With the original story featuring Native American Chief Bromden, an integral aspect is his connection to the land to which he belongs. This has been reimagined with an indigenous Australian Chief Bromden - and focuses on his connections with country and culture - a different cultural lens that is more resonant with an Australian audience. The adaptation works beautifully,

This production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest features an original score from Musical Director Kieran Ridgeway. Highly impactful (and receiving its own ovation by an audience who remained in their seats well after house lights came up), it is at times unnerving yet strangely beautiful, and the use of didgeridoo (and didgeribone), expertly played by Bradley Jeffrey, is a particularly striking element.

A stunning looking production, it features a striking and highly detailed set designed by Gary Wetherilt, costumes that are accurate to the era and show wonderful use of colour, by Marjorie DeCaux, and highly evocative use of lighting (with great scenic transitions) by Shelly Miller. 

It is rare to see a community theatre production where the acting performances from every performer, down to the smallest role, are simply excellent - but this cast features fully realised highly developed characterisations in every role - all with obvious depth and nuance.

The three leading roles feature outstanding performances. Luke Miller gives Randle McMurphy an element of danger in a highly energised, layered anchor performance. Kate Sullivan is a powerful, intimidating, and complex nurse Ratched, who simply commands the stage, while Andre Victor delivers his best performance to date in a haunting and compelling portrayal of Nyungar man Chief Bromden.

Outstanding teamwork and shared experience from the ‘patients’. They are led by Dale Harding, played by Jeff Watkins, in one of this highly respected performer’s best characterisations, presumably leadership by example both in and out of role. Sean Wcislo’s sympathetic, stuttering Billy Bibbit wins and breaks audience hearts. Christopher Steicke’s nicely physicalised Scanlon is impressive. Paul Reed gives both strength and vulnerability to Cheswick. Director Chris McRae, filling in for a Covid afflicted Jordan Jones, delivers a fully realised and strong performance as Martini. Adrian Levis makes a great community theatre debut in the small but demanding role of Ruckly, Michael Hart has wonderful presence as Colonel Matterson, with Ray Egan completing this group with the expertly physicalised Sefelt.

The actors playing staff are equally impressive. Jordan D’Arcy brings lovely energy and is a strong contrast to Nurse Ratched, as Nurse Flinn. Aaron Lucas and Rachel Vonk show outstanding teamwork, great facial expressions and frightening physicality as Aides William and Warren. Steve Moloney makes the most of his brief appearances, giving us a convincing Aide Turkle, and Gavin Crane’s Dr Spivey is very believable.

Completing the cast are Alexandra D’Ulisse and Tashlin Church, whose performances as Candy Starr and Sandra, our human links to the world beyond, are well inhabited and performed.

This show has not had an easy run, with no less than eleven cast and crew members succumbing to Covid after their opening weekend and necessitating a 7-day break in performances. Their return to the stage, albeit with one man down, was powerful and a credit to the team.

A show that leaves its audience stunned and thinking about the show - it really is a must-see production. The buzz around this show is well deserved - a great piece of theatre.

Kimberley Shaw