Two

Two is a tight little one act exploration of character. Set in Australia in 1989, the play dips into the lives of the married couple who own and run a pub, and some of the pub’s patrons. Performers Brian Meegan and Kate Raison swap seamlessly between the characters using posture, voice and minimal but effective costume change. Opening on the pub’s landlord and landlady bickering and sniping at each other while they cater to the early evening crush, the play is divided into brief segments fleshing out the characters’ relationships—with a partner, the world and the community of the pub itself. Some of the characterisations are humorous and exaggerated for comedic effect while others are natural and sincere. With examples of some of the worst of everyday human behaviour present, it is less a comedy and more gentle character development, as these people reveal their stories, giving insight into their needs and motivations: museum exhibits of human relationships.

The writing has a degree of poetry to which the production does justice. Mr Meegan paints the character Moth with far more confidence than his appearance deserves, while Kate Raison’s rendition of his girlfriend Maudie shows her self-esteem growing as the segment progresses. Comedic stereotype Mrs Iger, she waxes lyrical over her fantasies of “big men”. Audiences will almost immediately recognise the dynamic of Fred and Alice’s tense relationship, which is beautifully observed and acted. The actors portray each of the characters with great sympathy, even when the character really doesn’t deserve it. The audience will be moved by the individual tragedies and the small acts of courage as these people just try to get on with their lives.

All of this is set in a 1980s pub so genuine you can almost smell it, and with nostalgic Australian pub music from the era. This economic little slice of life drama is truly delightful.

Cathy Bannister