Gentle comedy an unpolished gem

THERE is a lot to like about the Fortune’s first show of the year.

The notion the play is selfreferential, having been written by the son, an aspiring playwright known as Me, and is being performed, however inexpertly, by him and his Dad, establishes an endearing note and works brilliantly.

The two main characters are splendid. Dad (Greg Johnson) is an easily recognisable New Zealander. He is among the thousands of New Zealand men who ‘‘could have been an All Black’’ but he has settled instead for a life of uninformed prejudices, dodgy DIY, chainsawing pohutukawas and blaming other people when things go wrong.

Floppyhaired son (Alex Wilson) is more sensible, but the effects of Dad’s less than sensitive parenting are obvious. When girlfriend Caitlin announces she is pregnant, he is destabilised by selfdoubt.

Caitlin and assorted other characters including Mum, a policeman and a barista are played by Abby Howells.

This gentle comedy, directed by Anya TateManning, has many compelling scenes, such as the one in which Caitlin tells the son of an important decision, and some lovely lines (my favourite was ‘‘Instant: the Gore of coffee’’).

Somehow, though, a clever organising principle, strong characters, great acting and nice moments do not add up to a completely satisfying play. The themes of middleaged maleness and fatherson relationships have recently been addressed at the Fortune, notably by MAMIL and The War Play in 2015.

Finnus Teppett’s script demonstrates talent and has clear potential but there is room for further development, especially since the play is just 75 minutes long. Caitlin’s personality and that of barely seen Mum could be explored further, and some elements such as the inclusion of Helen Clark and the play’s rather soppy ending could be reconsidered.

My Dad’s Boy tours Otago and Southland after the Dunedin season closes on March 4.