Simon Longman’s MILKED is another powerful show as part of the Old Fitz Theatre’s late-night lineup. Presented by Dollhouse Collective it is a rather absurd comedy about a dying cow wrapping around a serious drama of two kids lost and struggling in the adult world they did not expect. Set in rural Herefordshire it is a somewhat sad story of friends searching for something to help make sense of lives not seeming to be going anywhere.
Under the direction of Simon Porro two talented actors, working as excellent foils for each other, take the parts of the two vastly different characters. Paul, played by Aaron Wilson is frenetic, highly anxious and obsessive in his quest for a job in media. Having finished a degree in history is not qualified nor have any experience, for the many jobs he applies for and continually fails to get.
Snowy, played by James Provis, is a calmer character seemingly doing nothing while living on his Dad’s farm, where Paul is staying with him. Snowy seems content to take walks and hang round. Beneath the surface however he is also battling demons and facing a future he does not want.
While on a walk Snowy discovers a dying cow, names her Sandy, and encourages Paul to work with him to try to cure the cow. Once they realize the cow cannot be saved there are some fairly gruesome suggestions as to how to put the cow down. As part of the black comedy side of the play the cow somehow manages to survive for quite a time period.
As the play develops we come to understand more about the history of the two boys and their very different family situations. Paul daydreams about catching trains to work each day in a stable & set routine like his Mum & Dad, while Snowy lives with a domineering and controlling father and longs for his absent mother.
Under lighting direction by Luna Yuet Yee Ng and sound designer and composer by Johnny Yang, the plays’ shortish scenes flow seamlessly from one to another as we are drawn more and more into the lives of these young men seeking something to make a future in the world.
Simon Longman’s MILKED is playing till 14th June at the Old Fitz Theatre, Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo this short season is definitely worth quickly hurrying to grab a ticket before the go.
