Silly Cow

This week sees a mini–Ben Elton Festival playing in Perth and Peel, with two of his works - Silly Cow and We Will Rock You playing concurrent seasons and allowing a keen fan to see both in one day. Silly Cow is being presented by Arena Theatre Productions, and while there was not a huge crowd at its second performance (a Saturday matinee) it was very warmly received.

Director Simon James’ set, played against black drapes, creates the largely pink lounge room/office of central character Doris Wallace, a gutter journalist with a penchant for writing nasty things about actors and other famous people. Effectively lit from a design by Jasmin Lifford, this show also features this year’s most deliberately ugly and unflattering costume - kudos to the actress who wore it.

Central character Doris, an interesting antihero, is played by relative newcomer Kellie White, doing very well in her first major role. Her personal assistant is played by Audrey Poor, in a nicely layered performance that stood out.

Jeremy Malcolm was strong as the not-very-likeable Sidney, Sharon Mobilia plays accountant Deborah with efficiency, while Lincoln Hitchcock in mismatched shirts works well as toy-boy Eduardo.

While everyone is working hard, not all the jokes are landing as they should, with timing sometimes a little off, and there is a tendency to shout, when other depictions of anger might add more nuance. The second half, where there is less exposition running more efficiently.

Worth a look for the Ben Elton fans out there. An enjoyable show.

Kimberley Shaw