Therry Dramatic Society. Arts Theatre. 30 Oct 2025
What a pleasure to see a comic actress really hitting her straps in her prime.
Helen Geoffreys has always enjoyed a respected reputation for reliable quality performances across the boards of Adelaide theatre. She’s been nominated for and has won awards for her work - and if ever there was cause for her name to sparkle yet again it is in this performance as Ann, the banker's wife and hapless mother of the groom-to-be. This is her night.
The vehicle in which she does this rib-cracking bedazzlement is a really quaint confection from Britain’s actor/playwright Robin Hawden, creator of The Mating Game, Perfect Wedding, and Birthday Suite among other romantic comedies. It is not the greatest of his many plays but a piece of implausible fluff which makes a fun diversion here under the seasoned direction of Sue Wylie.
It portrays a snooty stockbroker-belt family whose weekend of wedding plans and family introductions turns into a folly of utter bemusement as the bride-to-be falls into a dither of impetuous indecision.
The wonderful Jess Corrie, fresh from a distinguishing performance in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf at Holden Street, shows sturdy versatility swinging into the character of the vacillating romantic lead. ’Tis a performance of quite stunned perplexity. Around her are the three adoring males led by Paul Pancillo who is a singularly dashing comic performer. Keep an eye out for him. Stephen Bills stands forever tall as manipulative Geoff while Tom Tassone as the outsider is as personable onstage as we have come to expect of him. From Pelican Productions and Deadset Theatre comes the fresh face and promising presence of Laura Lines who has excelled in one of those legendary last-minute performances replacing an ill cast-member. And thus does the diligent cast of six thrive on a really terrific Don Oswald affluenza set under the perceptive lighting of Harry Ferguson.
The play itself would be pleasantly amusing were it not for Geoffreys as the hysterical and ever-blindsided English-counties mother and wedding planner. Her every reaction, her wild gesticulations and her impeccable timing delivers the play to scenes of glorious, chaotic hilarity. Applause, applause.
Samela Harris
When: 30 Oct to Nov 8
Where: Arts Theatre
Bookings: trybooking.com
