Salted Pretzels

The Blue Room is currently host to the World Premiere of APK Productions’ Salted Pretzels, a modern little romcom, with the message to be true to yourself while allowing others to be themselves.

Set in a bar, serving salted pretzels as a new initiative, Dom gets her best mate Ash to sit at the next table while she is on dates, but on this night her date seems to know Ash’s mate James. What initially appears to be a love triangle becomes much more complex, to the confusion of the waiter.

The theatre is transformed into a trendy but relaxed and homely bar, and it is easy to see why this space is central character Dom’s favourite. Emotive lighting is provided from a design by Jolene Whibley, while Jess Nyanda Moyle has created the organic sound design. Appropriate costumes are designed by Charli Strickland.

Writer Cezara Critti-Schnaars plays the central role of Dom, and perhaps unsurprisingly feels relaxed and “at home” in the role she has created. Bestie Ash is played with great charm and genuine likeability by Oliver Hughes – he wins the audience sympathy quickly and we want him to “win the girl”. Blind date Cassius is nicely portrayed by Tristan McInnes, with Ray Teakle easy-going and convincing as James. Sitting slightly outside the action, and acting at times as an awkward cupid, Maitland Schnaars is the audience’s ally in this likeable little comedy.

The show uses split stage action and overlapping lines – clever devices that are generally well handled by director Emily McLean, although early in the run pickups weren’t always as swift as they could be, meaning that the pace occasionally was a little lax – something that I assume may vary from show to show or improve during the run.'

An enjoyable little show that touches the heart.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Jessica Russell