FOUR FLAT WHITES IN ITALY

After a tragic past few years, recently retired librarians Adrian (Michael Ross) and Alison (Sharon Flanagan) are about to embark on a much-needed holiday. When it looks like the trip is about to be canceled their new boisterous neighbours Harry (Henri Szeps) and Judy (Mary Regan) step in to “save” the day as their travel companions. If this show were a drink it would be a fine bottle of Italian red wine that tastes better and better with every sip. Written over three years ago by successful New Zealand playwright Roger Hall, the play starts out as seemingly light, fluffy fun, but as the story progresses the plots become richer and sweeter. Set in New Zealand and Italy, the intricate sets transport the audience across the sea to gorgeous canals in Venice, museums in Rome and sun-drenched patios in Tuscany. Clever dialogue and funny, fabulous performances will leave audiences relating to all the tensions that come with the group-travel territory, and how sometimes it takes crossing over to the other side of the world to confront the problems in your own backyard.

Until Oct 22, Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall St, Kirribilli, $27-67, 9929 0644, ensemble.com.au