The unpredictability and furtive nature of human behaviour is at the heart of Brenda Gottsche’s play SLEEPING DOGS.
Inspired by a true-life story, Gottsche’s play, in its London premiere, was nominated for Best New Play in this year’s Off West End Awards.
Roz Collins, a kind of Doctor Phil of the airwaves, hosts a regular talk back show called ‘On The Couch With Doctor Phil’, believes that she has seen and knows it all!
Despite all her training and experience, nothing can prepare Roz when she finds out that her husband Leo has a criminal /gangster past, that she had not the slightest inkling of.
What will Dr Roz decide to do?! Will she stand by Leo, the man who she has shared twenty years of happy married life, or will she abandon him, unable to accept his dark side?!
Factory Space Theatre’s Artistic Director Roz Riley confidently directs and wins good performances from her cast.
Pamela Rome and James Belfrage play the lead married couple who face their biggest trial.
Haley Sewell plays their very independent minded and newly Christian nineteen year old daughter Alex.
Debbie Neilson plays the chorus like role of a part simply called Singer, plaintively singing excerpts from popular songs that reflect on the action.
Neil Modro is the villain of the piece playing Andy, a scruffy, devious friend from Leo’s distant past who decides to dabble in a little bit of nasty blackmail.
Elizabeth McLean plays Roz’s friend psychiatrist Anna, whose door is always open but who is more than a little world weary and jaded.
A well realised, insightful drama, Brenda Gottsche’s SLEEPING DOGS opened at the Star OfThe Sea Theatre, Manly on Saturday 6th October and runs until Saturday 20th October, 2012.
© David Kary
16th October, 2012
Tags: Sydney Theatre Review- SLEEPING DOGS, Brenda Gottsche, Roz Riley, Star Of The Sea Theatre Manly,