My Fat Friend
Scene Magazine
Written by Emma Rodwell

I honestly didn't really know how to take it when my editor asked me to review a play called 'My Fat Friend'. The thought crossed my mind that perhaps she was hinting at something.

However, after reading up on it, I must admit that my interest was sparked - a play about a gay boy and a fat girl, what more could anyone ask for? In fact, once I sat down, I realised that the play seemed to mirror my very own life.

Vicki is an overweight young lass who owns a bookshop and lives with her long time friend, Henry. Much like my very own best friend/housemate, Henry is a bitchy old queen with a rather frank sense of humour. Much like me, Vicki hasn't had a date in three years, so when she finally gets asked out by a handsome and worldly customer, Henry resolves that he will help her win the battle of the bulge, so to speak. Hilarity ensues. As you can imagine, it transpires that Vicki's suitor has a fat fetish. Actually, that is going too far - he just liked her as she was (that part is very unlike my own experience.) How refreshing is that?

As you can see, the story itself is kind of predictable (in an ugly duckling sort of way) and to be honest, the script is a touch annoying, BUT, it does serve to give hope to us all. Furthermore aside from a few missed lines, the cast of four do a pretty good job of it all - Kat Kiorgaard is particularly noteworthy as Vicki, although Richard Murphy did a fantastic job of brining my housemate to life (on stage, that is.)

All things aside, 'My Fat Friend' is a bit of light humour with a moralistic undertone attached. I liked it and my thin friend liked it, so it can obviously appeal to fatties and skinnies alike.

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I have to confess something of a weakness for this particular piece and am delighted to see any version of it anywhere. As a play it contains some beautiful language and has within it the potential for some truly magical staging that is sure to enthrall and enchant theatre goers of all ages.

John Zuill, as Director of this particular production for the Arts Theatre has chosen to set the play within a period loosely corresponding with the 1940's - 1950's, giving rise to some interesting opportunities for costuming and design work, some of which work well and some of which need some more thought. However the overall concept is good and works well.

The production itself is somewhat uneven, with the majority (which, of course, takes place in a woodland setting, as we know) being quite enchanting, but with the beginning and end scenes in the Dukes palace being far too static, lacking in colour and with the actors seeming to lack any real enthusiasm of commitment to their roles.

However, as I indicated, the woodlands scenes all but make up for this difficulty so that once we move beyond the rather dull opening and get on with the magic of the piece we are treated to a rollicking good time with some quite outstanding performances.

Daniel Grey, as Puck, is a standout and brings a great sense of energy and excitement to this very important role. David Summers, as Oberon, and Izabela Wasilewska as Titania likewise deliver fine performances. Others to stand out include the mechanicals (all of them) and in particular Peter Crees as Bottom.

Much thought has clearly gone into the bulk of the play and the design and staging of the woodlands scenes are really quite outstanding. It is something of a pity that the pace and the feel of the play is somewhat marred by the difficult opening and closing scenes which, clearly, need more work to enable the actors to feel more at home within their roles.

As I said earlier, there are any number of productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream to catch this year but this one has much to recommend it. If you can get through the first few minutes you are in for a treat and will find you are well rewarded for your patience.

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Tonight at the Brisbane Arts Theatre was my first Pratchett experience. Aside from meeting and interviewing the fantasy satirist some years ago. But that's just gratuitous name-dropping (with picture below) so back to the play.

I can see the appeal in Pratchett's brand of humour. And boy did it draw a crowd! I've never seen so many people squashed into that theatre.

In fact, I'm told this season of "The Truth" has been the most successful Terry Pratchett play (adapted by Stephen Briggs) ever staged at the Brisbane Arts Theatre. Congratulations to all involved!

The stars were Tim Wotherspoon (William de Worde) and the living printing press (imagined by director Greg Robotham while holidaying on Myokonos).

That said, the whole cast shone. I particularly enjoyed the performances by Luke Lilly and Damien Campagnolo (stand-over men Mr Pin and Mr Tulip), Wade Robinson (Mr Slant), John Da Conceicao (dopplegangers Lord Vetinari and Charlie), Natalie Bochenski (Sacharissa Cripslock) and Paul Brown (Lord de Worde).

And special mention must go to Brad Turnbull and Greg Rowbotham, who didn't stop all night! During the interval, Brad (who played a dog called Gaspode) entertained the crowd while Greg (as Foul Old Ron) flogged raffle tickets.