Written by Jonathan
Biggins
Directed by Cate
Clelland
Canberra REP at
Theatre 3 to 2 December
Reviewed by Len Power
17 November 2017
‘He’s a xenophobic fascist but, apart from that, he’s OK’,
explains one of the characters in ‘Australia Day’. Jonathan Biggins’ ability to home in on the cringe-worthy
aspects of Aussie characters and society is strongly displayed in his very
funny first play, ‘Australia Day’.
First performed in 2012, Biggins based his play on his
experiences as an Australia Day Ambassador in country Australia, and
particularly on his encounters with organising committees.
Set in the fictitious country town of Coriole on the
northern coast of New South Wales, we observe the local organising committee making
plans in the Scout Hall for their next Australia Day. Then, on Australia Day, the committee members
have to deal with the things they didn’t plan for - a thunderstorm, food
poisoning and broken toilets – as well as a host of other problems.
Cate Clelland has gathered a set of actors who have the
right look for the colourful characters they portray and they handle the comic
aspects of the script very well, too.
Pat Gallagher plays the mayor of Coriole who is working
towards a seat in federal politics. He
gives a convincing performance as this political animal who just manages to stay
one step ahead of disaster. As Robert,
the less politically astute committee member who just wants to do the right
thing, Thomas McCoy plays his frustrated character very well.
Sarah Hull does a fine job as Helen, the local Greens member
who is annoyingly idealistic until she shows her true colours and Neil McLeod
gives a very amusing performance as the elderly, intolerant Wally, who is
struggling with political correctness.
Jonathan Lee is very funny as Chester, an Australian-born Vietnamese
school teacher who is more ocker than anyone else and Micki Beckett is infuriating
but adorable as the Country Women’s Association member who can’t see why
anything has to change.
Cate Clelland’s nicely designed production moves at a good
pace, capturing the funny aspects of the play very well. A couple of serious moments in the play
seemed a bit contrived and less effective, but it’s the comedy we’re looking
for here and the show certainly delivers on that.
For anyone who’s ever served on committees, ‘Australia Day’
will remind you why you never want to do that again. Go along and see yourself in these all too
real characters.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7’s new ‘On Stage’ program on Mondays from
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