Our second review is in! A fabulous account by Jo Hills. We are so proud of our awesome cast for this funny and thought provoking play.REVIEW: I felt I had been on a hike myself by the time New Plymouth Little Theatre’s current production Social Climbers concluded.
Like on any tramp, there are definitely highs and lows as this well-known Roger Hall comedy unfolds. Initially, I felt some trepidation for the actresses. As the play opens it seems to take quite some time for them to get into a rhythm. Rather than take giant strides in the opening scene they appear to be lacking confidence and tip-toeing around one another. This creates an unsettling awkwardness amongst them. I began to think the audience would be in for a long, hard slog.
However, I then realised it was probably intentional as this onstage group are meant to be colleagues from a school who don’t usually hang out together. They are actually feeling their way with one another. Although it makes for a sluggish beginning we soon warm up to their individual personalities and became engrossed in each of their stories.
When Kim Carr bursts onto the stage as the flamboyant Maxine it is like a breath of fresh air. Unused to tramping, she is equipped with her makeup bag, an umbrella, wine and plenty of attitude. Bold, brassy and saying what she thinks, often at the expense of others’ feelings, she adds a zing of energy to the flagging start and shows a lot of talent. She is accompanied by Rhiannon McGrane (as Sinead), who also quickly becomes a favourite with her superb acting and facial expressions.
Fortunately, after intermission, a certain momentum develops and pushes the storyline and pace along. The characters’ personalities become clearer and you realise that director Steve Wright has actually cast each of them exceptionally well. I had been fooled by the play’s start and was now able to enjoy some great acting by the entire all-woman cast.
Catherine Gabites is the ageing, soon to be redundant well-loved teacher. Her cheekiness is a delight to see as it gradually emerges. Kate Hansen plays the role of school counsellor. Her monologue, describing the often forgotten hardships of her job, is very moving and thought-provoking. She portrays the part with great empathy.
Nichola Lobban, as Emily, is the type of person who has been a doormat all her life. Her children give her lots of worry and concerns. Lobban skilfully ensures her character tries to wear a brave face, despite her many problems. Her daughter Sinead (Rhiannon McGrane) has begrudgingly accompanied her on this 3-day hike. Sinead is a solo mother who we soon learn is about to drop yet another bombshell on her mother who never seems able to say ’No.’
Meanwhile, quiet and sensitive Susan is played very well by Kelly Moore. She is often the brunt of Maxine’s snide remarks until she finally cracks and it is revealed that all is not well in Susan’s supposedly perfect world.
As each act finishes the lights dim and the entire cast dances and swirls around the stage preparing the props for the next act. The first time this happens it seems clever, but with each repetition it becomes downright annoying and rather cheesy. It sometimes also trivialises and ruins a previous quiet, emotional moment.
On a tramp everyone is usually delighted to arrive at their overnight hut. I can assure you that the set builders have done a magnificent job recreating a six-bunk hut on the small stage. Truly impressive and welcoming, it even has an inviting fire and a sneaky bush view.
The wardrobe team has created some great costumes and the ladies often shimmy into outfits like pyjamas and near nude attire with confidence.
Social Climbers is the sort of play I would describe as an oldie but a goodie. Be warned it comes with a packload of sexual innuendoes. Like a blister it is multi layered. It oozes fun. However, as the characters peel off the layers of their life stories it also produces some surprises and covers some serious issues.
Let it warm up and you will eventually head away feeling that you saw some great acting amidst its storyline. You will leave feeling satisfied, like you do when completing a long trek. Social Climbers continues its season until April 20.
– Taranaki Daily News