LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS

You can’t really go wrong with staging a Neil Simon play at a beautiful theatre with a stellar cast. But how right can you go? The Ensemble Theatre’s production of the Last of the Red Hot Lovers, starring Jamie Oxenbould and Sharon Millerchip, gets it very much right. The energy of the actors is infectious, their delivery and timing spot on, and the response from the audience: that tantalising combination of roaring laughter and awkward discomfort, as they see their own deep-set secrets reflected back to them from the stage. Mark Kilmury has directed the social comedy with a charming warmth and heart. As Oxenbould’s Barney mumbles his way through failed seduction attempt, after failed seduction attempt – all while making sure no glass stains are left on his mother’s furniture – and the three objects of his affections –all played by the versatile Millerchip – look on with bafflement, amusement and disdain, the audience is left with a wonderfully satisfying night of theatre.

Until Jan 9, 78 MacDougall St, Kirribilli, $25-56, 9929 0644, ensemble.com.au