Reviews

First published in 1848, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall caused a sensation with its realistic depiction of domestic abuse and a capable talented woman taking control of her own life.

Unlike many novels set in the period where wealthy people – with no employment - wait around for someone to visit them, or spend their day brooding about the next party, here was a real story about alcoholism and debauchery.

Alfred Deakin was Prime Minister of the newly federated Commonwealth of Australia 1903 – 1904, 1905 – 1908, 1909 – 1910.  Some say Australia’s greatest prime minister.  Playwright Darryl Emmerson is clearly an admirer.  But let’s be clear: Talking to the Future is not a play; it’s a history lesson and a hagiographic one at that. 

As Tina herself says, “Chi si volta, e chi si gira, sempre a casa va finire.” (No matter where you go or turn, you will always end up at home). For Songs My Mother Taught Me, the stage of Her Majesty’s Theatre is turned into a lounge room of sorts; over 30 lampshades hanging from the flies with string lights, a chair and table. This lounge room however, also has a 9-piece band and two backup singers!

This musical version of the short story is a very unusual choice for an adaptation. The classical love triangle scenario is given unique treatment by Ishiguro. In a very straightforward and rather ordinary manner, the story actually confirms the enduring nature of the friendship between the three characters Emily (Gillian Cosgriff), Ray (Angus Grant), and Charlie (Chris Ryan). They meet at university and Emily and Ray share a passion for Great American Songbook music.