Stand and Deliver
Set in the preparation room before a High School Debate, this sharp and clever play is a nostalgia trip for anyone who was a high school debater, and a clever commentary on high school relationships. Presented by Thanks Tina, this play was originally presented as part of Hayman Theatre’s lunchtime theatre program, often a launchpad for new writing.
A group of teenagers prepare for a debate, against arch rivals Mercedes College, stymied by the fact that their star debater Rachael is absent. We discover that Rachael is taking her activism to a protest march, and we get to know her via an excellent monologue performed by Lauren Westphal Groves. While some of the team lament her absence, with Bryn (Rebecca Attwood) beautifully revealing strong feelings, others such as over-ambitious, over-achiever Abigail (an effervescent Tasha Fraser) take the opportunity to take control. Gorgeous characterisations throughout including Adah Hill’s convincingly anxious Sonnie, Sophie Quin’s likeable Madeline and Bec Moore’s quietly clever Olivia.
Wonderful use of humour to address some quite heavy issues, while including some local references.
A simple but effective set served the show very well, and while lighting cues were a little hesitant on Opening Night, Lee Butterfield’s design was solid, Great little variations on the school uniform told us a great deal about characters.
One of my personal favourites of Fringe World, this was an impressive production of a clever script that I could see becoming an oft performed little one act show if published. Lots to like here.
Kimberley Shaw
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