cultural_philistine
HAL_9000Review of Rabbit Hole (Ensemble Theatre)
September 17th 2007 01:50
Lorraine Bayly is an absolute delight to watch in the role of supportive mother Nat, trying to comfort her daughter Becca (played by Georgie Parker). Although Becca is meant to be grief-stricken and distant, Parker appears cold and wooden at times, especially compared to the rest of the cast. Mark Kilmurry shows great tenderness as Howie, Becca's husband.
Set against this background of grief is the announcement of Izzy, Becca's sister (played by Queenie van de Zandt) that she is pregnant. As Izzy is the wayward daughter, her great news to Becca hardly seems fair. Van de Zandt's character brings perspective to the situation. She is well-cast and especially alive when on stage with Kilmurry.
Pushing his way into their lives is Jason (Jonathan Prescott), the young man responsible for the son's death, who is seeking atonement from Becca and Howie. Prescott's nervousness is tangible in his later scene with Parker.
The set for Rabbit Hole is particularly impressive, creating the sense of a lavish, spacious home on a small stage. The sound effects are also good -- I was expecting a dog to bound on stage until I remembered I was in a theatre.
This play is an intense drama with some emotionally raw moments, especially for Kilmurry. Overall, it is a very good production. Bayly's warm presence is so natural it is as though she glided in off the street -- hopefully we will see more of her in future.
~~~
Rabbit Hole is playing at the Ensemble Theatre from Thursday 9 August to Saturday 22 September 2007 and at the Canberra Theatre Centre from Tuesday 2 October to Sunday 7 October.
~~~
Director -- Sandra Bates
Designer -- Graham MacLean
Lighting designer -- Martin Kinnane
"Becca" -- Georgie Parker
"Izzy" -- Queenie van de Zandt
"Howie" -- Mark Kilmurry
"Nat" -- Lorraine Bayly
"Jason" -- Jonathan Prescott
~~~
Further reading:
-- Stage Noise
-- Australian Stage Online
-- Sydney Morning Herald
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