Winter Warmers - Playlovers

Reviewed by Kate O'Sullivan

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On a chilly winter's night, there's nothing quite like settling in to experience new theatrical works. Such was the case with Playlovers' recent one-act season at the Actor’s Hub in East Perth, featuring two compelling plays each clocking in at about 45 minutes.

The first play, Not A Boring Life, is penned by the renowned local playwright Yvette Wall and directed by Fran Gordon. This engaging four-hander explores the complexities of friendship and the wild directions our imaginations can take. The cast shines with Denice Byrne delivering a spot-on snarky performance as the no-nonsense Charls, while Kerry Goode breathes life into the charmingly befuddled Mrs Partridge. Janet Brandwood and Kimberley Shaw, making a rare stage appearance, round out the ensemble cast. The costuming is both simple and effective, clearly defining the characters, and the set is thoughtfully detailed especially the standout and oft-referenced painting. The important urn prop was also well chosen, being both obvious and yet not distracting, an important aspect as it represents the unseen character of Quinn.

However, the play's pacing presents a challenge. At times, the dialogue feels leisurely and conversational, while other moments rush by too quickly, leaving the audience unprepared for the conclusion. Despite this, the humour lands well, the plot remains engaging, and the characters are delightfully familiar. I’m eager to see how this script evolves when it returns in February for the FringeWorld season.

In contrast, Fully Installed by Julia Jarel, directed by Andrea von Bertouch, offers a different rhythm and style. This piece is structured with a series of short scenes that switch between four characters. The heart of the play lies in the intricate and by no means romanticised relationships portrayed, particularly the dynamic between Jessica Shallcross as Kate and Robrecht Herfkins as Wayne. Their chemistry captures both the affection and the underlying tension of their relationship. Jack (Pete Walmsley) and Lily (Pip Carter), the second couple, are less developed, which may be due to their less frequent appearances. This script is funny, and the physicality that Pip and Robrecht bring to Lily and Wayne in the art gallery, especially in the closing scenes, is a highlight of this piece.

The lighting design in Fully Installed enhances the one-act format, clearly delineating the vignettes and effectively using colour in the art gallery scenes. However, the frequent scene changes led to prolonged dark intervals, which disrupted the overall flow. Smoother transitions could heighten the script’s impact, immersing the audience more fully in the world.

Overall, it was a delightful evening of fresh theatre. Playlovers truly lived up to its name, showcasing the talent and creativity of local artists. The short season has finished, but keep an eye out for these scripts to pop up again.

Reviewer Note: Kate has previously performed with Playlovers, most recently in 2014. She has also worked with Kimberley Shaw (in her non-theatrical work) as well as Yvette Wall and Kerry Goode onstage, most recently in 2021 at Irish Theatre Players. Tickets for this review were provided by the theatre company.