Bronwyn Fullerton

CHARLEY’S AUNT

Kate Parker-Frost, Nicholas Pond, Justine Kacir. Pic Craig O’Regan

The Genesian Theatre Company has been performing in this lovely, intimate and unique old church since 1954. It’s latest production of CHARLEY’S AUNT has been directed by Shane Bates with contagious humour and energy.

This 120 year old play, first performed in 1892, was written by Brandon Thomas. It ran for 1,466 performances, both in London and on Broadway, and was heralded at the time as “the funniest play ever written”. It is still performed every year worldwide.

The principal role of Lord Fancourt Babberley is played delightfully by Nicholas Pond. ‘Babbs’ is an Oxford undergraduate whose friends Jack and Charley, persuade him to impersonate the latter’s aunt, Donna Lucia D’Alvadorez. Her arrival from Brazil has been delayed, so Babbs must act as chaperone to Jack and Charley’s love interests, Kitty and Amy.

This wonderful theatrical device was later successful in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (THE BIRDCAGE) and MRS DOUBTFIRE.

The cast have an excellent grasp on the English accent and the style of the era. The women particularly were very convincing and suitably elegant in their Victorian dress. The young men mastered the “upper class twit” characterisations and the occasional ‘over acting’ from some of the actors was quite acceptable with this style of theatre.

The play has been billed as the ‘perfect summer comedy’ which makes perfect sense. Recommended, Shane Bates’s production of Brandon Thomas’s CHARLEY’S AUNT opened at the Genesian Theatre, 420 Kent Street, Sydney on Saturday 12th January and plays until Saturday 23rd February, 2013.

© Bronwyn Fullerton

15th January, 2013

Tags: Sydney Theatre Reviews- CHARLEY’S AUNT, Brandon Thomas, Nicholas Pond, Thomas Greader, Carlin Hurdis, Genesian Theatre Company, Shane Bates, Craig O’Regan, Sydney Arts Guide, Bronwyn Fullerton.

Published by Bronwyn Fullerton

Bronwyn Fullerton worked as an actress and singer for over 20 years after training with Hayes Gordon at The Ensemble Theatre Studios in Sydney in the 70s. She has worked for The Ensemble Theatre, Stables Theatre, Griffin Theatre Company, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Festival, Theatre-in-Education touring, Rocks Theatre at The Sailor’s Home, Balmain Loft, North Coast Theatre Co., Giniby Theatre Co., Bondi Pavilion Theatre and two years with the Marionette Theatre of Australia, including a tour from Alice Springs to Arnhem Land. As well as Film and Television (Chopper Squad) and Voice Overs, Bronwyn worked for the Gate Theatre Club in London and studied mime in Paris. She now teaches ESL English to foreign students and completed a Post-Grad in Film & Video at UTS in 2009/10.