THE UNSPEAKABLE ITCH

Matt and Bec have been married for seven years and seem to have it all: the house, the car, and high-flying careers. Most of all, they still seem happy and in love. Or are they? Bec longs for a new deck and Chanel handbags while Matt wants a raise and a new barbeque. They will do anything to make these things happen; yet, when they suddenly discover they’re broke, the shaky foundation of their relationship is exposed.

Played by comedy duo, Kate Smith and Drew Fairley, who have also explored the dynamics of love relationships in Bangers and Mash and The No Chance in Hell Hotel, The Unspeakable Itch examines the ties that bind relationships but also breaks them apart. It also explores the fine line of being comfortably in love and being a little bored, asking the question: how do you hang on to happily ever after?

However, instead of searching for definite and serious answers to these questions, what makes this production stand apart is that it’s a slapstick comedy romp, complete with twisted facial expressions, platinum blond wigs, garish costumes and the odd musical number. But this couldn’t be pulled off without the razor-sharp performances from the two leads. They seem to play Matt and Bec with all the absurdity of middle class Australian bogans; an element reminiscent of the hit TV Show Kath & Kim. It’s all part of the charm though and you’ll laugh until your belly hurts.

Until Jul 8, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point. $30-38, 8356 9987, darlinghursttheatre.com