Tim

Tim, Colleen McCullough’s first novel, created a stir when released, but nothing to compare with her second, The Thorn Birds. For a time the most famous Australian writer, her works were scoured for movie material and Tim, the story of a love affair between a labourer with intellectual disability and a mid-50s business executive, was turned into a successful film starring Mel Gibson and Piper Laurie.

Now, 50 years after the novel was released, a contemporary stage version by Tim McGarry is touring to eight venues in NSW, before setting off on an Australian-wide tour in 2024. And it’s well worth seeing.

This is a modern-day affair between Mary (Jeanette Cronin), a respectable middle-aged business manager without a man in her life, and her near-neighbour Tim (Ben Goss), who has been brought up carefully by his family, sheltered from the abuse and unthinking malice of the locals.

Tim’s family are well pitched. His mother (Valerie Bader) is a worrier, his father (Andrew McFarlane) puts too much money on the horses but is warm-hearted and thoughtful, and his sister Dee (Julia Robertson) is a fierce supporter of her brother. A successful lawyer, she will defend Tim’s position to the moon and back. The cast is completed by Akkshey Caplas who juggles three characters with great confidence.

Events ensue when Mary, needing some help in her untended garden, hires the young man on a casual basis. Soon he’s there regularly.

The acting is excellent. Valerie Bader plays two characters to the full; Julia Robertson is absolutely right in her defence of Tim; Andrew McFarlane captures the love of his son and, now he’s 20+, the need to give him room; Jeanette Cronin tries to hide her love but fails honourably.

Ben Goss as Tim runs and tumbles, clutching his new-found attraction to Mary for all to see. It’s a perfect performance for the play, and can only develop.

All are in the hands of director Darren Yap, who handles his many problems with ease. Short scenes go whizzing by and the cast and crew always confidently move forward. 

The big plus is the set design. James Browne has delivered a huge bonus with his revolving indoor/outdoor setting. In an instant we are out in a well-leafed garden or inside either house and it’s all done (apparently) effortlessly, with some serious help from Lighting Designer Ben Hughes.

Frank Hatherley

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Photographer: Branco Gaica