Premier Arts & Entertainment Coverage

‘Harvey’ At Holden Street Theatres

November 7, 2025

Review by Markus Hamence – Harvey – Performance date: Thursday 06 November 2025, Holden Street Theatre, Hindmarsh, South Australia

Searching for a night that marries gentle whimsy with big-heart theatricality, the current production of Harvey at Holden Street Theatres is a gold-star entry in that niche. Led by the irrepressible and charismatic Adelaide theatre royalty Peter Goers (OAM) in the role of Elwood P. Dowd, this interpretation of the classic by Mary Chase invites you to accept the extraordinary – and to realise that sometimes, the invisible is the most visible of all.

Cast & Team

Peter Goers as Elwood P. Dowd. His return to the stage after more than two decades brings warmth, dry humour and a heart-first performance that anchors the entire show.
Rebecca Kemp plays the raddled sister Veta Louise Simmons – described by Goers as a ‘dream role’ for her.
Dora Stamos (Mrytle Mae Simmons), Megan Dansie (Mrs Ethel Chauvenet), Antinette Cirocco (Ruth Kelly R.N.), Christopher Cordeaux (Lyman Sanderson M.D.), Ron Hoenig (William R. Chumley M.D.), Amanda James (Betty Chumley), Brian Wellington (Judge Omar Guffney), Leighton Vogt (Duane Wilson) and Robert Cusenza (E.J. Lofgren and Robin ‘Smacka’ Schelzkope) round out the exceptional principal cast, delivering memorable turns in roles that shift between comic foils and straight-faced realists. Well cast.
Director: Rosie Aust helms the production, balancing the vintage charm of the 1940s setting with a present-day freshness.
Lighting Designer: Martin Smith
Sound and Lighting: Jonathan Holds
Set Design: Peter Goers and Rosie Aust
Costume: Sue Winston and Peter Goers

“His (Peter Goers) return to the stage after more than two decades brings warmth, dry humour and a heart-first performance that anchors the entire show…” – Markus Hamence

The Performance & Atmosphere

Not long after the lights go down, and we are first introduced to Mrytle (Stamos) and Veta (Kemp), we then meet Elwood (with a smile, a drink, and the invisible rabbit in tow), you know we are in for something warm, mischievous and kind-hearted. Goers (who received an audience applause upon taking to stage) imbues Elwood with a quiet confidence: he’s utterly comfortable with his best friend Harvey (six-foot tall, white, invisible) and by extension invites the audience to accept our own oddities.

The cast around him rise to the challenge of playing the ‘normal world’ reacting to the absurd with sensational and authentic accuracy. Rebecca Kemp’s Veta is deliciously frazzled yet grounded; Stamos and Dansie bring the necessary energy to the secondary roles that swing between panic, propriety and the possibility of change. Robert Cusenza adds a cameo flavour that gives the evening additional sparkle.

“The cast around him rise to the challenge of playing the ‘normal world’ reacting to the absurd with sensational and authentic accuracy…” – Markus Hamence

The theatre – which is intimate, character-filled and steeped in Adelaide’s local theatre vibe – supports the production beautifully. Holden Street Theatres, with brand new very comfortable seating, brings you close enough to see the micro-expressions, and draws you into the play’s mix of screw-ball comedy and heartfelt reflection. The direction keeps the pacing lively while honouring the play’s original spirit of gentleness, kindness and the invitation to see beyond what is immediately obvious. Bravo.

Themes & Takeaway

This isn’t just a slapstick farce. Underneath the laughs and the unusual premise lies a softly delivered message: the value of kindness, imagination and not conforming to a rigid definition of ‘normal’. Elwood’s friendship with Harvey becomes a metaphor for embracing what others might call ‘strange’ or ‘invisible’, and celebrating instead what is real to us. Peter undeniably makes us believe in Harvey.

In the context of today’s world – where speed, expectation and performance often dominate – this production asks us to slow down, to smile, to be ourselves. And in doing so, the invisible becomes arrestingly visible. This is wholly accredited to the brilliant cast and the superb director.

Why It’s a Must-See

If you love theatre that is uplifting but not saccharine.
If you’re drawn to quirky, character-driven stories where the heart leads.
For local Adelaide theatre-lovers: seeing Peter Goers return to acting, taking off his director’s hat, in a role he clearly adores is a treat. Peter owns this role and embodies the character pouring every ounce of himself into Elwood and his nuances.
For a cosy evening out with charm, laughter and sincerity.

“Peter owns this role and embodies the character pouring every ounce of himself into Elwood and his nuances…” – Markus Hamence

Some Extra Notes

The interplay between the ‘ordinary’ and the ‘extraordinary’ may feel familiar if you’ve seen other versions of Harvey, but this production’s strength is in its clarity and the generosity of its performances.
Expect to leave the theatre feeling lighter, perhaps with a goofy grin – and maybe even wondering who your Harvey might be.
Perfect for friends, couples or anyone who wants something gentle yet resonant – no heavy existential angst, but plenty of feel-good sparkle.

Verdict

On a scale of Adelaide theatre brilliance, this production clocks in near the top. The combination of Peter Goers’ charismatic lead, a strong supporting ensemble, an astutely modern direction and the inherent magic of Mary Chase’s original script makes this version of Harvey a standout. If you’re able to catch it, you’ll find yourself laughing, reflecting and maybe believing in invisible rabbits all over again. I did.

Let’s hope it’s NOT another couple of decades before more from Goers in acting roles.

Rating: An easy Five Stars