By SUSAN BUDD
SILO THEATRE - A broad burlesque on the activities of a smalltown amateur theatre group, Kate McDermott's play mixes video segments with scenes of the battle for power that follows the death of Barry Battee, the theatre manager and star of every production for decades.
A city slicker with
a diploma of arts administration and cellular phone on his belt arrives with high ideals of mounting Art and Wit, but settles for Hamlet with two TV stars in the main roles.
The hopes of Barry's perennial understudy, Duane, are dashed and things look ugly until the out-of-towners leave in high dudgeon.
With characters such as Emily Perlonker, the plumber sponsor's wife and leading lady, Colleen Grimm, the stage helper (only Barry was allowed the title "manager") and Samantha Bright and Cody Starr from tellyland, subtlety is not to be expected.
It is all mildly amusing as Duane plays guitar and sings flat, Emily bulldozes the deceased's widow into brewing tea and fights the interloper every inch of the way, and Colleen supplies endless snacks.
The video segments are highlights of the show, ratcheting up the comedy and performance standards.
Roy Ward gives a high camp and hilarious portrayal of a theatre director, while Shortland Street's Katrina Devine and Blair Strang make a good fist of Ophelia and Hamlet.
Malcolm Murray brings shades of Psycho to the barman who is psychotically suspicious of outsiders, and Liddy Holloway does some superb grieving.
They have the advantage of short, sweet scenes, while those on stage have to cope with some clunky dialogue and a remarkably silly plot.
Suzanne Norris plays the bullying Emily on one loud and strong note, with Kate McDermott as her nerdy foil, Colleen.
Rod Lousich portrays city arrogance with flair, and Mike Hall convinces that he is unable to act or sing.
