MOTHER AND SON

 

 

 

Mother and Son by Geoffrey Atherden.

Directed by Michael Weston. Assisted by Garry Robinson. Tempo Theatre. Belconnen Community Theatre. May 24 – June 1 2024. Bookings: www.tempotheatre.org.au

Reviewed by Peter Wilkins

Nigel Palfreman as Arthur. George Belibassakis as Robert
Cheryl Browne as Maggie. Rina Onorato ans Liz

To celebrate their golden anniversary of providing entertainment for the Canberra community, Tempo Theatre has appropriately chosen to present a comedy about ageing. Devotees of the long-running TV series of Mother and Son will enjoy Geoffrey Atherden’s updated version for the stage.

Director Michael Weston has selected a good cast to bring to life dementia sufferer Maggie (Beare, played with convincing vagueness by Cheryl Browne, her long suffering son, Arthur ( finely played with underdog  acquiescence by Nigel Palfreman) and her self-absorbed son, dentist Robert (a suitably egocentric performance by George Belibassakis). 

The cast of Mother and Son

The support cast also give credible performances. Rina Onorato is the snapping terrier wife Liz, bent on making Robert suffer for his infidelity. Maggie’s typically teenage grandchildren Bronte ()Ireland Pirie) and Jarrod (Leo Richter) strike the right chord in their Facetime conversations with Maggie. Laura Blumer plays Arthur’s sympathetic and understanding lady friend and there are well drawn cameo characterizations from Aged Care assessor Steve (an indifferent and perfunctory Bill Kolentis) and Respite Care inmate Monica (Carole Wallace).

George Belibassakis, Cheryl Browne and Nigel Palfreman in Mother and Son

Atherden has updated his script to include contemporary situations and references.  These include scam phone calls from Mumb-Mentone and constant requests for credit card details. Maggie’s responses show Atherden’s deft command of the comic reaction while illustrating his cautionary warning. It is a credit to Bro0wne’s portrayal that she captures the comedy in her dialogue and reaction. Too often on opening night the pathos of Maggie’s predicament appeared more prevalent than the comical absurdity of setting off her alarm device or the repetition of her memory and her intent to read to children at the local library. Perhaps audiences have become more sensitive to the prevalence of dementia in the community and the increasing need to provide care for the elderly. Perhaps we are less inclined to laugh and more inclined to empathize and recognize the impending reality of dementia suffering.

Actor Henri Szeps, who played Robert in the television series has titled his autobiography It’s All In The Timing. It is the skilful timing that evokes the comedy that allows an audience to laugh and then reflect on their reaction. It is the timing that turns a funny line to laughter and then surprises with the serious consequence. It is timing that keeps the action flowing and continuous. Too often the lack of timing in entrances, exits and cuing caused the energy to fall flat on opening night. One expects that this will improve as the season progresses..

Tempo’s production of Mother and Son is a fitting acknowledgement of the company’s longevity and service to Canberra theatre lovers.  From its 1974 production of Bye Bye Birdie, reflecting the society and teenagers of the 60s to the current production of Mother and Son, Tempo  continues to uphold its mission to provide entertainment for the community and opportunities for young and often inexperienced performers to learn theatre skills.

Tempo’s production of Mother and Son does this and more with natural and entertaining performances by the amateur cast. Audiences may find much to laugh at, but there is much in Atherden’s carefully written play to provoke thought and contemplation.