Funny sort of bedside manner
BEDSIDE MANNERS BY RAY DICKSON
THERE may seem to be a black cloud hanging over us.
There’s certainly not much good news on the horizon. And then, into the gloom comes a shining light full of laughter and fun.
If you want to forget the bad news for a while there is no better solution than a trip to another world, one of madcap mayhem that is Bedside Manners, Townsville Little Theatre’s latest production.
True farce requires fast action, quick cues, close calls, doors opening and closing in quick succession, lost trousers and above all, the ability of actors to encourage their audience to suspend belief and just sit back and enjoy themselves. After a slow start, the cast of this production achieved it.
The story starts as straightforward and ends up incredibly convoluted. Two would-be adulterers, Geoff (Jeremy Naughton) and Roger (Matt Palmer) both accidentally choose a seedy hotel in the middle of nowhere for assignations with their hoped-tobe mistresses played by Kate Archer and Sarah Mathiesen.
The hotel is being run just for this particular weekend by Ferris (Stephen Smith) who has agreed to fill in while his sister takes a short break. He soon regrets his decision and ends up in the middle of the would-be-lovers’ trysts. While the cast of five are kept on their toes by the confusion and turmoil as it unfolds, it is Smith who shoulders most of the comic turns (and gets the best lines).
Despite its eventual great pace on opening night, the play would benefit by even faster cuing which should come as the season progresses. The set cleverly combines two garish hotel rooms and a reception area but lighting was uneven across the front of the stage which became a distraction. The soundtrack was appropriate and enjoyable.
Derek Benfield penned this script and TLT presented another of his farces a few years ago which was also directed with great skill by Alan Cooke.
He is a master director of comedy who has again assembled a talented cast.
I do hope there may be other plays by this author available so the formula can repeated by Mr Cooke in the future.
In light of current regulations,
TLT has placed a cap on the number of available seats, and these are placed well apart to avoid close contact with other patrons. Bookings can be made at ticketshop.com.au or by phone on 4727 9797. Intending patrons can always front up to the theatre to see if tickets are still available but be aware, EFTPOS is not available.
Bedside Manners has three more performances at Pimlico Performing Arts Centre, at Pimlico State High School in Fulham Rd tonight and tomorrow at 7.30pm, with a matinee tomorrow at 2pm. It is a most pleasurable panacea to the constant bad news we are hearing.