Written by Geraldine
Aron
Directed by Denny
Lawrence
HIT Productions
The Q Theatre,
Queanbeyan to 7 September
Reviewed by Len Power
4 September 2019
Divorce is not exactly a barrel of laughs for those going
through it, but it’s interesting how many plays and movies there have been
about that subject. It works because
behind the jokes and funny situations lies a very human drama that many of us
have experienced for ourselves. Irish
dramatist Geraldine Aron’s one-woman play, ‘My Brilliant Divorce’, has been
described as a ‘funny stand up tragedy’.
Middle-aged Angela is struggling to come to terms with the
process of divorcing a husband who has left her for a younger woman. At times hopeful that he will return and also
angry both at him and life in general, she takes the audience into her
confidence, sharing details of the journey she must take through this difficult
time in her life.
A big hit for its star, Dawn French, in London in 2003,
Mandi Lodge plays Angela in this touring production. Previously seen here in the similar play by Willy
Russell, ‘Shirley Valentine’, the role fits the actress like a glove. She’s very good at playing warm and funny with
an endearing down-to-earth style that holds the audience’s attention throughout
the 90 minute running time without interval.
Denny Lawrence has directed the show with pace and lots of
business for the actress to help maintain interest throughout. The set design and well-chosen video
projections add an attractive dimension to the show.
Divorce affects nearly all of us in some way or another –
either directly or indirectly. The level
at which you can identify and empathise with the character’s story in this play
will depend on your own experience. For
many this play will mirror their own story of an uncomfortable time in their
lives. There’s a funny side to
everything if we look hard enough and there are plenty of laughs to be had in
this enjoyable play.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on the Artsound FM 92.7 ‘In the Foyer’ program on Mondays
and Wednesdays at 3.30pm.
