By Peter Kemp
The 1812 Theatre
The Sweet Delilah Swim Club
Set in North Carolina where five women come together each year to catch up. Moan, enjoy each other’s company and have a good time. The 1812 set of the interior of the beach cottage was superb. Audience left was the entrance door, across a balcony which gave the impression of looking out to sea. The interior was the main room of the cottage with a door to the audience right leading to the kitchen and rear of the stage was a hallway leading to the necessary facilities.
The play is set over 33 years.
The cast was Sheree Hollinger, played by Laell Raiteri, who booked the cottage each year. A first class performance by Laell.
Jacinta Howden played Lexie Richards. Lexie was always in physical trouble, first in a sling and then in a leg brace etc. She had many marriages and survived them all. A tricky job to play in the various slings and casts but Jacinta kept up the standard and did a wonderful portrayal.
Dinah Grason was played by Bev Shields. A lawyer who always had a liking for gin and was often at the cupboard with a cocktail shaker. A good portrayal of such a character.
Vernadette Simms was played by Hannah Bolt. Vernadette’s children were always in a perpetual state of incarceration. Hannah really caught the essence of the character.
Jeru Neal McFealey was played by Malanie Bouette. Jeri has been a Nun and now was out of the convent with a surprise for the other members of The Sweet Delilah Swim Club.
A successful evening by The 1812 Theatre with a high standard of production and enjoyed by the opening night audience.
Six
The Six Wives of Henry VIII
Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre was the venue for SIX
A story told in music of the six wives of Henry VIII.
Wednesday 7 August saw the opening night. A great crowd assembled outside the theatre for opening night drinks. Many people dressed for the part with many fans of the production present.
A short show, from 7.30pm to 8pm with no interval.
The six wives were represented by Kimberley Hodgson as Catherine of Aragon, Deidre Khoo as Anne Boleyn, Loren Hunter as Jane Seymour, Zelia Rose Kitoko as Anna of Cleves, Chelsea Dawson as Katherine Howard, and Giorgia Kennedy as Catherine Parr.
The orchestra was drums, two guitars, keyboard, and bass.
The production ran smoothly, costuming was good, the audience really had the feel of the era but rather brief the outfits were. The singing was great, each wife sang about their life with Henry and also spoke about him.
The girls worked well together each taking their turn and the joint movements were perfectly timed. Good choreography. Overall a wonderful night of entertainment and a show not to be missed.
Gemco Theatre
Don’t forget the 27th Dandenong Ranges One Act Play Festival 2024 happening 17 and 18 August.
