Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Thursday 26 September 2024, Opening Night
I will start by saying, for those who know the BBC 90’s tv show ‘Keeping Up Appearances’, Hyacinth Bucket is a delicate wall-flower and a saint in comparison to A Cheery Soul’s central character Miss G Docker. The formidable Docker is Bucket on steroids. With the tone and image set – let’s now explore the play in detail…
I trotted along to Holden Street Theatres eagerly Thursday evening for Opening Night. I enjoy this theatre, it’s like walking into a great big embracing hug, always warm, inviting and inclusive – coupled with exceptional theatre, it’s an experience that’s always memorable. This night was not an exception. A Cheery Soul, written by the acclaimed Australian playwright Patrick White, this play delves deep into the complex layers of human nature, blending dark comedy with sharp social commentary. It’s a play that stays with you long after the final bows, leaving you to unravel its deeper meanings.
A Small Town with Big Secrets
The story is set in the fictional town of Sarsaparilla, a close-knit yet unsettlingly sterile community. On the surface, the town appears mundane and quiet, but as the narrative progresses, you quickly realise there’s something more sinister lurking beneath the surface. White’s keen observations about suburban life, coupled with this production’s atmospheric staging (including multi layers of crochet rugs), make for an intriguing backdrop where tension simmers and eventually boils over (And boil over it does).
A Tour de Force
At the heart of this production is Miss Docker, played with incredible depth and complexity by Adelaide’s theatre darling Martha Lott. The actor brought her character to life in a way that was both unnerving and, at times, painfully funny. Miss Docker is a cheery, overly helpful woman who seems harmless, but her presence becomes increasingly suffocating to those around her. The performance was truly magnetic – both compelling and grotesque, making it hard to look away. There is not much Martha can’t tackle as far as a role goes, and if she can’t, it wouldn’t be worth doing anyways.
What impressed me was how the cast handled the play’s rapid tonal shifts. One moment you’re chuckling at an awkward social interaction, and the next, you’re hit with a wave of existential dread. The ensemble worked brilliantly together, capturing the underlying absurdity and darkness that White’s script demands.
The cast that endure Miss Docker are outstanding. In order of appearance… Sandi McMenamin, Catherine Campbell, Robert Cusenza, Christopher Cordeaux, David O’Brien, Jo Coventry, Sue Wylie, David Arcidiaco, Amelia Lott-Watson, Jessica Corrie & Ron Hoenig ALL somehow keep straight faced in the hilarity and absurdity that is thrown their way. Sandi slays the organ with utter vibrance and a terribly awful yet fabulous singing voice. Amelia is splendid (And a rising theatrical star to watch) as the gum popping teenager with attitude. Mr Wakeman (Arcidiaco) is pained and tortured while being the object of Dockers affection, his angst is immeasurable and David rises to this challenge and conquers albeit only to crumble in a dramatic breakdown at the end with his character. There are engaging and powerful monologues (and timed-to-perfection duologues). And the frustration each of them individually experience at the hands of Docker is wincing. Bravo to this dynamic cast.
Direction and Staging: A Masterclass in Subtlety
The direction of A Cheery Soul was nothing short of brilliance. The minimalistic set design (again every inch simply draped in a stunning array of textured, patterned and coloured crochet work) helped focus attention on the characters and their interactions. It was the subtle choices – like the eerie lighting shifts in ultraviolet (Was it to mimick the blue rinse set? Clever) and the haunting, sparse sound design – that built the play’s unsettling atmosphere. Peter Goers, our acclaimed director, managed to keep the audience on edge, unsure whether to laugh, cringe, or simply stare in disbelief. A champion for our mature actors and a supporter of the up-and-coming, Peter is an Adelaide gem when it come to theatre, his talent, and execution of, is exemplary. I have not seen Peter deliver anything other than sheer thought-out perfection.
Holden Street Theatres is an intimate space, and the staging took full advantage of this. The proximity to the actors made the audience feel almost complicit in the unfolding drama, as though we were voyeurs peeking into the inner workings of this small, twisted town. There was nowhere to hide from the raw, emotional weight of the performance, which added to the intensity of the experience.
Human Flaws on Display
Making A Cheery Soul so impactful is its exploration of human nature. It’s a biting satire on the veneer of decency that masks deeper selfishness and cruelty. Miss Docker, despite her outwardly kind persona, represents the darker side of charity and self-righteousness. The play touches on themes of isolation, hypocrisy, and the human need for connection, all delivered through White’s sharp, often uncomfortable humor.
At times, the absurdity of the dialogue and situations may leave audiences scratching their heads, but that’s part of the charm. White doesn’t hand you easy answers – he makes you think and question long-held assumptions about morality and social behavior (and anti-social behaviour).
Final Thoughts
A Cheery Soul at Holden Street Theatres is a fun romp yet richly rewarding (it has some seriously sentimental points) watch. It’s a show that invites introspection, all while keeping you thoroughly entertained with its razor-sharp wit and unforgettable performances. If you’re in the mood for something thought-provoking and a little offbeat, this production is well worth your time.
It’s a great night at the theatre which commands your imagination, and that’s what makes it so captivating. Just be prepared to leave with more questions than answers, and a lingering sense of unease – because, after all, that’s the beauty of Patrick White’s work.
A Cheery Soul
Holden Street Theatres
September 24 – October 12, 2024
Tickets
Check out my interviews with Martha Lott & Peter Goers below…
Martha Lott: https://onyourmarkus.au/interview/zooming-with-martha-lott/
Peter Goers: https://onyourmarkus.au/interview/zooming-with-peter-goers/
