Almost Nearly Paradise
Although the island setting is fictitious, most people (at least from Sydney’s Northern Beaches) will recognise the real life location for Brenda Gottsche’s Almost Nearly Paradise. Based on true incidents and people she encountered living offshore the “insular peninsula”, Gottsche has created a wry comedy that asks some existential questions.
Four diverse women form a book club, but when they meet it quickly becomes apparent that they have neither read nor are much interested in the prescribed books. Instead they engage in a discussion about ‘how to be happy’.
Throw in a yarn-spinning husband, an extremely wealthy bachelor, and a wild storm – and you get farce, intrigue and drama.
“The alcohol flows and the night becomes a goldmine of dangerous revelations,” explained Gottsche.
The play is a commentary and observation about people’s desires and motivations, and their appraisal of each other as well as themselves. The characters’ answers to ‘how to be happy’ come into play as they are all forced to make a crucial decision.
In the end, it appears that the young, seemingly naive girl who works at Bunnings is the only one who knows how to be happy.
The play was first performed last year at Balmain’s Exchange Hotel. The current production at Manly’s Star of The Sea theatre showcases a younger cast, prompting some minor modifications to dialogue and characters.
Gottsche hopes it will make audiences laugh, but also make them think.
“I write the kind of play that I want to go see. I want it to be about something, to have a message, but I want to be entertained.”
Her inspiration for writing? “I find people fascinating.” (RB)
Jul 15–23 (Fri + Sat 7.30pm, Sun 3pm). Star of the Sea Theatre, Cnr Collingwood Street and Lluka Avenue, Manly. $28-$35. Tickets & info: trybooking.com or (02) 9439 1906
BY RITA BRATOVICH
