Summer of the 17th Doll.

To usher in the start of Summer, Stirling Players presents Ray Lawler’s Australian classic, Summer of the 17th Doll.

A famous story of cane cutters staying in Melbourne for the lay-off, a well decorated set, constructed by Pauline Gibb, with decor by Janet and Tom Brandwood and costumes by Merri Ford and cast, transport us back to around 1955. The titular dolls have been very prettily created by Fran Gordon. The show features an effective lighting design from John Woolrych.

Danni Close is lovely in the central role of Olive Leech, who for 16 summers has kept company with Roo Webber. We sympathise with her and wish her happiness, which keeps us invested in the action. Mark Dyer, in only his second production and first major role, plays Roo, with laconic Queensland delivery. 

Ben Small brings strength, depth and great timing to Barney Abbot, whose long term girl-friend has married someone else of the preceding winter. Kezia George nicely portrays Pearl, a friend of Olive, and potential love interest for Barney.

Fran Gordon is great fun as outspoken and forthright Emma Leech, steeling scenes and deserving her spontaneous exit applause. It was a shame that the staging of one of her best scenes meant she was forced to deliver many lines upstage. Ellie Freeman was sweet in the ingenue role of Bubba, with Elias Cuzens completing the cast well, in the small but pivotal role of Johnnie Dowd.

Nice to see a solid production of an Australian classic.

Kimberley Shaw