THEATRE: THE RETURN
Image: Lights dim and we are all taken on a ride into the murky world of Steve (Alan Morris) and Trev (James Timony), two bored no-hopers from the wrong side of the tracks on a all-stations to Freo.
The no-frills set of benches displayed in familiar pattern hints that Devil May Care’s The Return involves a train. Lights dim and I am immediately caught up in the world of Steve (Alan Morris) and Trev (James Timony), two no-hopers from the wrong side of the tracks on a all-stations to Freo.
Likable-enough larrikins, a lurking dark side is revealed when Lisa (Emily Blatchford) a good-looking law student, joins them on the train. Steve and Trev attempt to intimidate and seduce her and incredibly, she plays along. It’s a little hard to buy, but enter Maureen the bored housewife (Clarrisa House) and a quiet writer (Andrew Johnston) and all is revealed.
His own hair-raising trip across the Nullarbor inspired playwright Reg Cribb to write The Return and it is a gripping tale. Unfortunately, though I initially found the script humorous and charming it left a bit of an unsatisfying aftertaste. Later monologues patronise the characters delivering them and end up sounding like trite cliches about the underclasses.
Perhaps Alan Morris’s portrayal of Steve could also have been more menacing, but his character is a little implausible anyway as he is far too articulate to have lived a life in the gutter. Still, it all worked somehow and the audience certainly loved it. The Return is good enough entertainment to keep you on the edge of your seat until you reach Fremantle.
Until July 4. Newtown Theatre, Cnr King St & Bray St, Newtown. $20-25, 8507 3034 or newtowntheatre.com.au
