One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
16th Ave Theatre
It is always a pleasure to watch a director tackle a different and risky genre and have the empathy and care to pull it off.
Set in a psychiatric ward in the 1970s, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a play with no-holds-barred reality and tragedy.
Directed by Ben Hambling, it was evident early on that he had a love for the work, taking the care to stage it thoughtfully, designing set and lighting to keep the audience involved in every moment.
With a cast of 14, you would expect some characters to be lost in the drama. However, even as our attention was drawn elsewhere, every actor held their own, and there was never a dull moment. This in particular made every minute enjoyable.
McMurphy, played by Alan Williscroft was brilliant.
Commanding every scene, he played the character with energy, charm, and most of all emotion.
Jonathan Massey, the stuttering Billy Bibbit, worked hard throughout, earning every bit of sympathy, playing the role to perfection.
Each of the residents and staff played their roles convincingly and even those with very little to say demanded and deserved attention.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is dramatic and daring, and although tackling some serious subjects, definitely has plenty of hilarious moments.
You will laugh, cry, and love every minute of this tribute to the talent that Tauranga has to offer.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is showing until June 26. Book at Baycourt.
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