We’ll Always Have Bali

We’ll Always Have Bali Is a family drama with some bite currently playing at the Blue Room. Well-presented and acted with credence. This thoughtful slice of life drama has much to like.

Performing on one of the most realistic sets I've ever seen at the Blue Room, William Gammels’ attention to detail place us firmly in a home that could belong to many people that you know. Amber Lorenzi, currently in her final months at WAAPA, provides a lighting design that is both thoughtful and emotive.

Set during the annual Christmas in July celebrations of the Perth, based Wainwright family, the family anxiously await the return of eldest daughter, Charlie, from university in Canberra. But this Christmas celebration will reignite long held tensions and reveal that not all is happy with this seemingly tight family unit.

Joshua Crane plays father Red Wainwright, a conservative politician, often tied to the phone, with convincing bluster and energy. His wife Belinda (inexplicably with an American accent) is played with care by Kim Parkhill. Her mother, Irene Carter, is given great depth and wry humour, in a very solid performance by Emma Kirby.

Prodigal daughter Charlie, who knows her own mind, is catalyst for most of the action and is played with great drive by Amber Gilmore, while younger sister Georgia, with her own quiet plot line, is played with beautiful understatement in a captivating performance by Phoebe Eames. These actresses create a very believable and complex sibling relationship.

This nicely written, character driven drama holds audience attention well and we quickly become invested in these well-rounded characters.

World premiere drama that is well worth a look for those who enjoy new work and appreciate a good story.

Kimberley Shaw