The fourth-wall was shattered as the audience had a cosy pint and a chat with some colourful, comical and covetous individuals until last orders were called.
TWO, a moving black comedy written by Jim Cartwright, is set in a busy local pub owned by a middle-aged married couple who seem to hate one another. Their banter and generosity extends only to their customers and not to each other due to the anniversary of a tragic event. As the evening unfolds the two actors Kate Raison (A Country Practice, E-Street, The Vagina Monologues) and Brian Meegan (Sea Patrol, Water Rats, Abigail’s Party), who are married both on and off-stage, guide the audience through a typical night of stag parties, regulars and misfit customers. All of whom have their own stories, each played convincingly by Kate and Brian.
Each actor played seven characters, ranging from a young boy to an old woman. Using very few props or costumes they transformed so masterfully that only the title of the play belied the duality of the cast. The actors shifted seamlessly from one character to another with only the bar scene as a constant, portraying the frayed and troubled lives of all who invigorate their evening with a drink or two at the popular local.
The audience realised they were also punters in the pub when the fourth wall was shattered by comical banter as characters interacted and flirted with audience members. It became so realistic that the audience interjected with comments and advice for each character as they were drawn into the local pub. In one harrowing scene when the particularly obtuse and possessive Roy was mentally and physically abusing his pregnant wife Lesley, the audience were seething and shouting out advice, as if they were sitting at the next table.
Fortunately, the despicable characters were counter-balanced by the more comical ones such as Alice and Fred, two dumpy Elvis obsessed misfits and Moth, an outrageous flirt who propositioned a pink haired lady in the front row, much to the audience’s delight.
Despite the simple costumes and set, the duo with the direction of Mark Kilmurry, skilfully drew the audience into the Aussie local for a cosy pint and a chat with some colourful, comical and covetous individuals until last orders were called.
1st, 2nd March
QUT Gardens Theatre, Brisbane
By Dr Gemma Regan