Relative Values

Tarryn Harris (nee Bullock) made her directorial debut with this production for Melville Theatre Company, her favourite of Noël Coward's plays. A welcome addition to Perth's directorial stable, Tarryn led a solid team to create a very strong show.

Set on a very well dressed, traditional box set, we were convincingly transported back to Britain among the upper classes in July 1951, with wonderful attention to detail and lovely upper-class costuming by Michelle Sharp.

The show opens with a clip from character Miranda Frayle's 'latest' film. This beautifully managed few moments (with a fine cameo by Jeff Hansen) set the standard for the rest of the show.

The Household Staff of Marshwood House, in East Kent, were beautifully portrayed. Kim Taylor was a perfect butler as Crestwell, with superb comic timing, while fifteen-year-old Juliett Greenock, making her first stage appearance, shone in her brief appearances as maid Alice. Sharon Greenock, made her first West Australian theatrical performance as Lady’s Maid Dora Moxton and is an amazing find. She won the audience's affection and delivered an outstanding performance.

Susan Lynch, as Felicity, Countess of Marchwood, was also excellent. Unquestionably aristocratic, she made a perfect Coward Dowager, with power and humour.

Darren Goodison was lovely as Peter Ingleton and Cameron Leese looked and appeared the archetypical matinee idol as film-star Don Lucas.

Directorial strength was evident in the high standard being maintained despite many inexperienced performers. First-timer Sean Bullock was wonderful as Nigel, Earl of Marchwood and Tatiana Dalin, also making a stage debut, handled a hybrid accent and complex character with ease. Geraldine Harrington rounded out the cast, in yet another first performance, as the formidable Lady Cynthia Hayling.

Audiences have been flocking to this production and it is not surprising. Well finished and nicely presented it is well worth the visit.

Kimberley Shaw

Image: The Earl of Marshwood (Sean Bullock, centre) and Hollywood actress Miranda Frayle (Tatiana Dalina, right) make demands of maid Alice (Juliett Greenock) & The Countess of Marshwood (Susan Lynch, right) is shocked to find Hollywood stars Miranda Frayle (Tatiana Dalina) and Don Lucas (Cameron Leese) rekindling their passion in Relative Values.