Writer’s Block

So often comedic plays fail to elicit more than the occasional, ‘Heh’, so it’s a great treat to attend a production in which there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Kellie Silver’s hilarious home-grown play has been served very well by director Shane Webb for community theatre group, Mates Theatre Genesis. Shane has encouraged confident comedic performances from his cast; the witty dialogue supported by fun sight gags such as humorous Brechtian touches woven into the props.

The narrative centres around Jane (Libby Harrison). She’s a script writer whose process involves seeing and hearing the characters she’s creating – Jake (Zach Price) and Adele (Vivien Wood). Jane’s suffering from some writer’s block, while also being interrupted by her sister Kate (Tereska Hart) and love interest Paul (Andrew McArthur). In the process of working on her script, Jane works out some of her own issues and learns to let go of the past and move bravely into her future.

Libby Harrison plays a lovely, warm and down-to-earth Jane. Libby starts on stage and is visible for the entire pre-show as the audience ambles into their seats. She does well to maintain character and focus throughout, seemingly enjoying her world behind the fourth wall. Libby and the audience’s enjoyment is aided by the peppy 80s soundtrack overture.

Vivien Wood brings spunk and energy to the role of the imaginary Adele. Vivien builds believable connections between her character and those around her. Zach Price as the imaginary ‘ideal man’ Jake is hilarious. Zach nails the heroic cliché one-liners and dominant posturing. Both Zach and Vivien also show great risk-taking and fearlessness in their physical work.

Jane’s sister Kate is played with sincerity by Tereska Hart. She believably depicts the well-meaning meddling and devoted sisterly love. Andrew McArthur is delightful as Paul and Captain Brooks. Andrew really impresses with his excited and nervous transition through courtship to the first kisses with Jane.

It’s always impressive when community theatre gets costuming right as we’ve all been through those challenging budget constraints. Assistant director Suze Harpur and the cast have sourced pieces that suit the characters and eras. They are all well thought-out ensembles, even down to the shoes. Shane Webb’s set design provides visual interest and adaptability. Sound and lighting design (Alysha Collie, Shane Webb, Heather Sheen with James Auld) work well throughout. They’re particularly beautiful in the scene during which Jake and Adele slow dance.

Writer’s Blockhas imagination, heart and humour. It’s the kind of play that has you leaving the theatre with a big smile on your face which you’ll wear all the way home.

Kiesten McCauley 

Photographer: Anne Leung