Secret Bridesmaids’ Business

As Roleystone Theatre continue their residence at Roleystone Hall, while their beloved theatre is being rebuilt, they are experimenting with different configurations. Secret Bridesmaids’ Business is being presented with cabaret seating. This is perhaps especially appropriate for this production, as the seating style feels right for a wedding themed production. The show is being staged at the same time as the screening of the very different, but similarly named, TV series, so could prove an interesting comparison exercise for those interested in the tv show.

Michelle Ezzy makes an impressive community theatre directing debut with this production, which looks great due to the set design of Daniel Ramsell and Stephen Carr - a very realistic and beautifully dressed hotel room. Costumes are true to character and at times quite stunning under the design care of Michelle Ezzy and Penny Ramsell. The show is cleanly presented and nicely acted, although at times, the only matinee performance fell slightly into matinee pace.

Elizabeth Elliot is outstanding as central character, bride-to-be Meg. A well-crafted performance, Elizabeth travels a complex journey as Meg, whose fiancé is, well, not as loyal as she believed, as we believe every one of her emotions. Bree Hartley is charming as Meg’s oldest friend Angela, who is more complex than she initially appears. Jade Azor makes a welcome return to Perth in the role of wilder friend Lucy, clashing nicely with Jay Shaw as Meg’s mother Colleen. Briana Dunn shows an edge (and some lovely undies) as “other woman” Naomi, while Sam Barnett does some expert backtracking as finance James. The monologues given by each character were particularly well delivered.

Wonderful to see this popular Australian play, with its great roles for women, after a few years absence in the west. There are only a handful of seats left for the last few shows in the season, so RSVP quickly to get the last of the tickets.

Kimberley Shaw