The Season | His Majesty’s Theatre | August 24th | ★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Nathan Maynard’s tale of a family dealing with changes and traditions is a moving and hilarious theatrical experience.
Set on Dog Island off the coast of Tasmania, we meet the Duncan clan who are making their annual six week jaunt to the island to catch mutton birds, prized for their meat, oil and feathers. Three generations of the family gather and although they have their differences, disputes and discrepancies – there’s a lot of love to hold this family together.
Through rolling scenes set at the beach side camp an epic tale is subtlety shared with the audience. There are scenes of great hilarity which left the audience in stitches, and the cast displayed some great comic timing. There’s also moments of enormous love and tenderness.
Maitland Schnaars is wonderful as the laconic and loping Ben – the father of the family. Della Rae Morrison plays his loving wife Stella, bringing a mischievous sense of humour to the proceedings. Acting great Trevor Jamieson takes on the dual roles of neighbour Neil and the island’s ranger.
Lisa Maza is the loud and outgoing Aunty Marlene, while Nazaree Dickerson plays daughter Lou who has a secret she keeps from almost everyone. Mathew Cooper deliveredd an animted performance as Ritchie, and James Slee stole the show as grandson Clay.
The show is billed as a portrait of Tasmanian indigenous culture but what shines through is a story about family bonds, traditions and generational change. It could be any family, in any culture – a universally great tale.
Graeme Watson
