There’s an engaging revival of David Williamson’s 1991 ‘Money and Friends’ currently playing at the Zenith Theatre, Chatswood. The revival is by northside’s Epicentre Theatre Company in a production directed by Lenore Robertson.
Every year a group of friends share their summer holidays at Crystal Inlet, an idyllic coastal resort two hours’ drive south of Sydney. Usually the summer breezes and the beautiful setting quell any issues that the friends may have. This year, however, there’s more than the usual undercurrents are going on.
The main character, affable Maths Professor Peter (Andrew Moon), is under major financial strain that is threatening his well being. His best friend, history professor Margaret (Linda Young), keeps on having casual encounters with men half her age. Vicki (Melanie Robinson) wants to leave her husband Alex (Alan Long) for an opportunistic younger man who offers her the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles.
Conrad (Martin Bell) runs into his son Justin (Calum Provan) in the town, who is angry at his father for having neglected him for so long. Tensions build up to boiling point between father and son, forcing changes in the way that they relate to each other.
Robertson’s production captures the nuances of Williamson’s sometimes biting commentary on middle class social mores. The starting point is Richard Neville’s very effective stage design. The stage area comprises a large verandah setting, together with a small deck. During the performance an alternate series of vivid photos of an idyllic coastal town are projected as the backdrop.
‘Money and Friends’ has your typically fallible Williamson characters. When the group of friends are called upon to help one of their own financially, their insular natures come to the fore.
The play is well performed by a good ensemble cast. Andrew Moon gave a solid performance in the leading role, as did Linda Young whose role as Margaret also involved her being the play’s narrator. Tony Bates impressed as the neurotic, insipid Stephen, Jennifer Corren as the gold digging Jacquie, and Amanda Adare as Penny, the only character to have the courage to break free from her situation.
Lenore Robertson’s current revival of ‘Money and Friends’ plays the Zenith Theatre, Chatswood until March 6, 201O
(C) David Kary
27th February, 2010