The Great Divide – REVIEW

After two (or is it three?) retirements, David Williamson has emerged to write another play to instruct and entertain the theatre-goers of the lower North Shore and those of us who venture over the bridge to get to this picturesque old theatre on the water at Kirribilli.

Williamson pits a wealthy developer, Alex Whittle (played with ruthless cunning by Georgie Parker), against a “shelf-stacker” at the local supermarket, single mother Penny Poulter (played by Emma Diaz), who wants to preserve her coastal town against Alex’s wish to turn it into a playground for the rich. 

Alan Bridger, the local mayor, played by a portly John Wood, is in Alex’s pocket, although he has some concerns. He suggests that Alex’s proposal to establish a foundation to help kids is “a tad… manipulative”.

Alex corrects him:

 “A tad? It’s totally manipulative. Alan, what kind of planet do you think you’re living on?…We live in a Kardashian world. Young idiots cavort cutely on TikTok and become millionaire influencers overnight. You either join the game or go under”.

Penny’s daughter Rachel (played with ferocious teenage angst by Caitlin Burley), is used by Alex to drive a wedge between daughter and mother, and she almost succeeds by dangling a “surfing scholarship” at a California university before the naïve girl.

James Lugton plays Brian, whose newspaper is close to folding, and also Joel, the moderator who chairs the television debate between Rachel and Alex.

Kate Raison does a fine job of playing Grace, Alex’s long-suffering PA of many years, before she changes sides and goes to work for Rachel. 

Mark Kilmurry directs his cast with precision, and James Browne provides a neutral set with several chairs, a table and a backdrop that serves as conference and hotel rooms, Rachel’s kitchen and living room, cafe and TV studio.

Williamson brings the play to a satisfactory conclusion when right wins over might, mother and daughter are re-united, Alex is sent packing, and …? 

But you‘ll have to see the play to find out what happens to Penny.

Altogether a terrific afternoon at the theatre. 

Until April 17

Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall St, Kirribilli

www.ensemble.com.au