Written by Neil Simon
& Anton Chekhov
Directed by James
Scott
A co-production of
Honest Puck and Limbo Theatre
Perform Australia
Theatre, Fyshwick to 31 August
Reviewed by Len Power
28 August 2019
One year after Neil Simon’s death, his 1973 play, ‘The Good
Doctor’, is an interesting and challenging choice for Limbo and Honest Puck
Theatre. Based on or inspired by the works
of Anton Chekhov, it consists of several small plays with Chekhov himself as
narrator. To work effectively, the short
scenes in ‘The Good Doctor’ require highly detailed character work by the
actors. To add to the challenge, some of
the plays are not as strong as others.
Limbo Theatre was formed by graduates of the Canberra
Academy of Dramatic Art (now Perform Australia) to bridge the gap between study
and industry. For this production, they
have joined with Honest Puck Theatre with James Scott both directing and
acting.
Damon Baudin is especially effective as the writer and
narrator, Chekhov. He builds an instant rapport
with the audience and sustains his performance throughout the show. Izaac Beach gives very strong performances in
three of the plays - ‘The Sneeze’ as a worry-wart employee, a self-styled
‘maritime entertainer’ in ‘The Drowned Man’ and he is especially funny and
moving in ‘The Arrangement’ as a shy 19 year old at a brothel. Immi Irvine gives a quietly controlled and sensitive
performance as a nervous young actress in ‘The Audition’. Everyone else in the cast has their moments to
shine amongst the multitude of characters they play.
 |
| Heidi Silberman and Immi Irvine |
Director, James Scott, keeps the pace moving and the
transition between the plays is handled especially well. Set design by Sam Wilde is simple and
practical and works fine for this production.
The split-second lighting changes were well-handled by Pat Uren.
More attention needs to be given to costumes and props. I understand that it is difficult to costume
a period production on a tight budget but some of the costumes were really
poor, detracting from the actors’ performances at times. The doctor’s kitbag in ‘The Surgery’ scene
was falling apart. Surely a better bag
could have been used.
As a showcase for these emerging performers, ‘The Good
Doctor’ proved to be a good choice as well as providing amusing entertainment.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on the Artsound FM 92.7 ‘In the Foyer’ program on Mondays
and Wednesdays at 3.30pm.