When the Rain Stops Falling

Andrew Bovell’s intricate and poignant family drama is presented by WAAPA’s Third Year Acting Students, and designed, built and crewed by WAAPA Production and Design students. A wonderful showcase of talent and an excellent telling of this sad and disturbing, but ultimately uplifting play.

Told in non-linear form, we travel through four generations of one family, and learn how a terrible event during the 1960s can continue to effect future generations. Beautiful handling of sensitive material in an expertly crafted presentation.

The show opens to “real rain” on designer Danielle Chiltern’s thoughtful multi-locale set, aided with excellent effects from Lighting Designer Dillan Kuiper and Sound Designer Cassius Marshall. Riley Tapp’s costume design helps to tell a story of both time and character with seemingly simple, but clearly very carefully selected choices.

Lachlan Stevenson gives an excellent portrayal of Henry Law, a man capable of dreadful things, whom the audience come to regret liking. Saskia Archer brings great depth to his intelligent young wife Elizabeth, while Camilla Ponte-Álvarez is moving as the seemingly distant and broken older version of this character.

Alexander Dilley is a likeable and believable Gabriel Law, whose loss we feel deeply. Jessica Veitch is charming as country girl Gabrielle York, with Lucinda Howes giving wonderful layers to the demented and confused older Gabrielle. Justin Bell gives gravity to the role of Joe Ryan, Gabrielle’s husband who lived in the shadow of her lost love.

Kyle Barrett, whose scenes bookend the show, is impressive as Gabriel Law, delivering a stunning monologue, and Jonathan Lagudi’s last minute appearance as Andrew Price is very well rounded.

Very thoughtful and clean direction from Peggy Shannon allowed for these young performers to fly.

When the Rain Stops Falling is on the Year 12 Drama Syllabus, and I urge Year 12 students and their teachers to snap up any remaining tickets. You would be hard pressed to find a better telling of this play.

Kimberley Shaw

PREVIEW AND BUY THE SCRIPT HERE.

Photographer: Jon Green