Absent Friends
Good comedy is based in truth and pain, and the absurdist work of Alan Acykbourn, Absent Friends, is a comedy to remember. Ensemble Theatre is bringing the humorous story to life, which focuses on a tea party thrown for a man recently bereaved that descends into chaos.
Actor Darren Gilshenan, who plays the recently bereaved man Colin, says the play is a comedy of manners that comments on middle class, marriage and death. “It’s questioning the whole idea of middle class, it’s safeness, how they hide in their fancy houses and good jobs and complacent existence and it challenges those facades,” he says.
The production has been adapted from its original English setting to be set in Adelaide in 1974 to help audience members relate to the typical Aussie characters.
“It’s so accessible because there is a lot of strong behaviour that people can relate to about relationships and friendships,” he says. The play explores people and their emotions, thoughts and relationships, turning tragedy to comedy. “It asks you to think about how much we should talk about our feelings and look for authenticity, plus it’s damn funny.” (SOC)
Jan 28-Feb 1, Glen Street Theatre, cnr Glen St & Blackbutts Rd, Belrose, $46-$71, glenstreet.com.au
Written by Shauna O’Carroll
