Roleystone Theatre One Act Season

Roleystone Theatre delivered three very different one act plays as part of a very short one act season. With two locally written shows, one of which was a musical and a Russian classic, it was certainly a diverse selection.

First up was Aydee Bull's new youth musical Mr Notahero and the Horrors of Science. Performed by a teenage cast, the story features an unassuming chemistry teacher Mr Notahero, whose secret alter-ego is a superhero. With the help of his students, one of whom has split loyalties, he battles the evil Madame Molecule to save Perth. Original songs are supported by a live three-piece band.

Isaac Buffham brought maturity to the title role and had a worthy adversary in Peregrine Carr as Madame Molecule. Hayley Field portrayed the conflicted Morgan with quiet conviction with good teamwork from other students Maeva Edwards, Freya Taylor and Ash Brady.

While the script still feels a little undercooked, it was good to see a new work, and the show was appreciated by the large audience. Unfortunately, the bulk of the audience left before the second and third play, meaning they missed some great theatre. 

Paul Treasure directed The Proposal by Anton Chekhov, and unlike many directors of this show manage to play it as the comedy it should be - albeit one that is very dark. When Stephan Stepanovich Chubukov welcomes his neighbour Ivan Vasilievich Lomov to his home, he is pleased to learn that the younger man intends to propose to his daughter, but the proposal goes terribly awry.

Director Paul Treasure slips comfortably into the role of Stephan Stepanovich Chubukov, riding a wonderful range of emotions. Jes Shotton makes a terrific stage debut as the hopeful proposer, while Lilly-Anne Burns is gorgeously triggered as Natalya Stepanova.

The Simple Gift was a gift of a show, and I am devastated that it was seen by relatively few people. An outstanding adaptation of an Australian novel, adaptor/director Andre Victor and novelist Steven Herrick should really be looking at publication of this work, as I feel other companies would love to perform this beautifully constructed play.

Almost, but not quite a series of interlocking monologues (beautifully acted) it tells the story of teenaged Billy who leaves an abusive home in search of a better life in a country town. His interactions with people along the way, especially “Old Bill” a broken man in his forties, and wealthy teenager Caitlin shape his experience.

An outstanding central performance is given by Harry McGuire as Billy, with a beautiful depth of emotion. Looking and playing a convincing fifteen years old, this is a vulnerable and heartfelt performance. Ben Small is thoroughly convincing as Old Billy in another deep, expertly crafted characterisation. Caitlyn Boyle completes the trio, playing namesake Caitlin, as a fully rounded character, in another top-notch performance. A thoughtfully directed play that was among the best short plays this year.

An entertaining night at the theatre that just kept getting better. Well done to all involved.

Kimberley Shaw