The Other Place

The Other Place is the debut production of Fremantle Theatre Company, which has taken residence in Fremantle’s Victoria Hall. A stunning introduction to this new company, The Other Place is a stellar production which is playing to rapt, capacity audiences.

Victoria Hall is looking fresh and vibrant, with front of house, essentially a trendy laneway bar, a great place for a pre-show drink. A great atmosphere - and you may be lucky enough to meet Front Of House Dog Audrey, who takes her public relations job very seriously. 

The auditorium is now a blackbox space that can be set up differently from show to show and The Other Place uses a traverse stage with audience on two sides. Very intimate, patrons are at most 3 rows from the stage, maximising viewing pleasure. Lawrie Cullen Tait’s decking set stretches the length of the space, subtly evoking “the other place” of the title despite being used for multiple locales. Matt Marshall’s evocative lighting helps establish various locations and is sensitive and beautiful.

While I am sure that many of the audience are simply keen to see good theatre post lockdown, the fame of leading lady Kate Walsh must also be a drawcard. Whatever the reason for choosing this show, you will not be disappointed. A beautifully written show, it is sensitively directed by Chris Edmund, and Kate Walsh is superb as Juliana, a scientist in her early 50s, who after an episode concludes that she must have a brain tumour. In a beautifully crafted story, we learn that this is actually early onset dementia - very movingly portrayed by Walsh as Juliana’s sense of self becomes very confused. A difficult and very demanding role, with a character that barely leaves the stage - this is a bravura performance.

Strong support from the remaining cast. Dalip Sondhi shows great depth as husband Ian, who struggles to support Julia. Lucy Kate Westbrook plays several roles, creating beautifully distinct characters - and providing some wonderful moments particularly in the latter parts of the play (Helen Fitzgerald’s costumes - excellent throughout, are helpful in creating these different people). Mararo Wangai completes the cast superbly.

Sound design and composition, by Steve McCall and Dave Richardson, is especially powerful in this production.

The Other Place establishes Fremantle Theatre Company as a top-notch theatre company, which promises to add much to Western Australia’s performance culture.

Kimberley Shaw