What: Goodbye to All That
Where: Theatre HB, Playhouse Theatre, Hastings St, Hastings.
When: March 15 to March 24 7.30pm. Tickets at iticket.co.nz
Reviewed by: Keith Russell
It is said we spend 45 minutes a week nursing regrets, and with this in mind British actor Luke Norris makes his professional debut as a writer exploring the premise of leaving no stone unturned to 'live your life to the full'.
After 45 years of marriage, another women appears on the scene and while theatre is full of dramas involving the eternal triangle, what makes this story so excitingly different is an emotional twist that you will not see coming.
Director Trevor Rose has the complexity to deal with around 15 short scenes of emotional confrontation all varying in different writing styles'
Neil McCorkell makes little apology for his character's selfish stab at fulfilment, his portrayal of Frank isn't at times sympathetic but no matter its recognisable and focuses on the writer's objectives.
Jill Foster as his wife makes a magnificent job of playing the loyal woman reacting with denial, disbelief and embittered fierceness.
Adrienne Hurley as Rita, the other woman, was given the hard job of a slow start but her role only gets stronger as the second half unfolds.
Her hospital scene was a highlight with clever timing adding to the drama being played out before us.
Mike McConnell gives a detailed performance as David the grandson who discovers the affair and his line of "I thought you were a decent. A decent man. Shows what I know" really encapsulates the whole story.
This is intimate theatre, you will sit very close to the actors allowing you to see their facial expressions of pain or joy and try as you may it is very hard to remain detached as an audience member as the story is played out.
Actor's sound projection is good, with clear strong voices at all times. No curtain is used just some clever lighting designed by Charlotte Frogley and John Price is to be congratulated for his excellent set décor.
My only criticism is towards the writer who only gives us one hour fifteen minutes of story, another fifteen minutes would have allowed further character development and maybe answer the many questions the story raises.
I enjoyed this family drama even if a little underdeveloped and I am sure you will too, as the poignant and bitterly funny story unfolds.