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Caravan
Presented by: Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company Inc
Venue: Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre
Reviewer: Catherine Brain
Date Reviewed: Saturday 5th September 2009
‘Caravan’ is an Australian farce that was written in the early
eighties, and rewritten again in 2000 by Donald MacDonald. It tells
the story of Penny and Parkes Robinson, who invite their oldest
friends Rodney and Monica Rice to join them on their annual caravan
holiday. They also invite their bachelor friend Pierce who brings
along his very young (and very new) girlfriend so as not to feel
left out. If the thought of six people crammed together in a caravan
isn’t bad enough, add the various secrets and scandals that each of
them bring with them…and sit back and watch how awkward a holiday
can be.
The
Robinson’s caravan is the centrepiece of the entire production, and
it received a rousing round of applause as the curtains opened. The
design of the stage was simple but im4pressive, with nothing else
but the starkly lit caravan (and the hint of an annexe) to reinforce
just how cosy a space it was. The interior was functional and
effective, down to the very last leak in the roof. The space was
well utilised, although I would’ve loved to have seen things get a
little less predictable with the blocking as they play reached its
conclusion. I was secretly hoping that the top bunk was going to be
worked in somehow! The lighting and sound elements of the show were
simple but effective, and helped to bring the entire piece together
nicely.
Adrian Carr’s direction was tight and clear, and the ensemble seemed
at ease working in such a restricted space in such a natural way.
Carr saw to it that each of the characters had a very natural
physicality to them, down to the smallest quirk. The program
highlighted that there had been some challenges with the cast –
including the replacement of a key member 2 weeks before opening
night. I have to say that it’s a real credit to Carr and his
production team that if I hadn’t read it, I probably wouldn’t have
noticed. The production notes also highlighted just how many
different roles Carr juggled in pulling the show together, and I was
impressed at his ability to multi-task so effectively.
Claire Hanley and Rowan Francis set the scene beautifully as Penny
and Parkes Robinson, and David McLean and Sharon Corbier were
delightful as the slightly ‘uppity’ Rodney and Monica Rice. The
overall dynamic of the group was so natural and comfortable (except
when the awkward tension kicked in) and there were moments that I
believed they had known each other for years. While there were the
occasional unexpected moments (trips, spills and a fluffed line here
or there) you could see how much the cast were enjoying themselves.
There is nothing worse than seeing people over-thinking this type of
comedy, and I commend each of them for being so committed to just go
with it.
Graham Andrew and Grace Presse played the parts of the swinging
bachelor Pierce and his latest young girlfriend Gwendolyn. Both
characters had their moments, but their dynamic felt a little stiff
in comparison. Presse started out strong with her ‘lovely’ entrance,
but I think that both of these characters had the potential to be
even more over the top in order to match the energy of the others on
stage.
The
initial stand-outs for me were Francis as Parkes and Corbier as
Monica, as both of their portrayals were just so spot on...down to
the last detail. As annoying as each of the characters were, you’d
almost be tempted to volunteer to be stuck in a caravan with them
for a few weeks…almost! While they were consistent to the very end,
it would be remiss of me not to highlight the hilarious performance
of Hanley as Penny. The subtlety of her character at the beginning
progressively built to an explosive drunken rant as the whole
charade unravels. Again, my hat goes off to McLean for his portrayal
of Rodney with such a short rehearsal period – well done.
The
script itself was very simple and very cheesy, and was structured
around a group of fairly familiar Aussie stereotypes. The ‘subtle’
plot twists were visible from a mile off, but having said that the
audience didn’t seem to care at all. Although I found the script a
little limiting at times, there were some great one-liners which
gave the ensemble plenty to work with.
Overall I think the cast and crew have delivered a tight and
entertaining show that takes the audience to a place that they all
fondly remember…and want to forget at the same time.
    
     
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