THEATRE: RUBEN GUTHRIE
Image: “My name is Ruben Guthrie, and I’m …” An advertising hot-shot, a man riddled with demons, a devoted friend, a poet, a narcissist … an alcoholic. The brilliance of Brendan Cowell’s writing and the power of Toby Schmitz’s performance justify this play’s sold-out status. (AB)
“My name is Ruben Guthrie, and I’m …”
An advertising hot-shot, a man riddled with demons, a devoted friend, a poet, a narcissist … and most definitely, an alcoholic. Is it unAustralian not to favour a drink, or ten? Written by actor/playwright Brendan Cowell (who has certainly been known to enjoy a tipple), directed by Wayne Blair (The Removalists) and starring the inimitable Toby Schmitz, this is an OP comedy, on the rocks, with a serious twist of bitterness. Schmitz wears Guthrie’s pathos like a second skin. He was born to play this role – and while all the support cast are outstanding, including Underbelly‘s Roy Billing as his hard-as-nails business mentor, Geoff Morrell as Ruben’s blasé alcoholic dad, and Megan Drury (All Saints) as his self-help crutch – it is Schmitz upon whom the whole production hinges. And underpinning his character is a river of booze – flowing through the national character and the veins of generational addiction. Ruben Guthrie is battling a demon that no one wants him to beat. Even his mum force-feeds him wine. This may sound miserable, but it’s not. The brilliance of the writing and the power of the performances justify this play’s sold-out status.
Until July 5. Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills. $25-56, 9699 3444 or belvoir.com.au
