A marvelous performance at the Bakery

Peter Kemp this week went to review 'Mr Bailey’s Minder', a performance he greatly enjoyed. Picture: UNSPLASH.

By Peter Kemp

The Bakery@1812 theatre in Ferntree Gully presented ‘Mr Bailey’s Minder’ as its first production for 2022.

A story about Leo Bailey, one of Australia’s greatest artists but now an alcoholic and a wreck of his former self. His daughter Margo finds a live-in minder to look after him.

The stage was set as Leo’s home, a complete wreck of a house with paintings all over the walls and floorboards all loose. A well done set.

Chris Hodson played Leo, a magnificent performance. I have reviewed Hodson many times over the years and I consider his portrayal as Leo is his best performance I have seen.

The balance of the cast kept up to the standard set by Hodson. The minder Therese was played by Danielle Payet. A good portrayal of a young lady desperate for a job. A moving performance and violent at times plus the language used in the production can be embarrassing though essential to the play.

Margo, Leo’s daughter, was given a good performance by Jenny Lutz. A dominating person who did love her father but was stern when visiting.

Caleb Hilbig played Gavin/Karl. This is the first time Hilbig has played outside the Youth Theatre. Hilbig gave a fair performance and has the makings of a good career on stage.

An exhausting lay. Both for the players and the audience. It covered all aspects expected of theatre and Bakery@1812 put on a wonderful evening of theatre and is one not to be missed.