'Till The Boys Come Home
is copyright © S. McLean 2004
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Set in 1942 Melbourne when the Japanese are coming down the Coral Sea, the defence of Port Moresby on the Kokoda Trail is about to begin and a murderer walks the streets of Melbourne killing women at random. This is also the beginnings of Women's Lib, as so many men were fighting, women had to fill the home jobs. Salmac, by using ten players, gave an individual touch on how it affected lives in Melbourne and for some of the audience it brought back many memories. The opening introduced the audience to four women sharing accommodation - three working in various forms of the services and the fourth in for a good time beside, working in a solicitor's office. Mary was played by Alesha Joy Bellairs. Mary was in the navy and had a boyfriend in the Airforce based in England. Alesha gave a fair performance - her diction was good and clear but her voice projection would benefit with more experience. Her flatmate, Anne, a girl out for all the goodtime she could get, was well played by Debra Maree Byrne. Debra gave a good and entertaining performance adding a touch of comique to her role. Elsie, Anne's sister was given a good all round performance by Sally McLean. Elsie was a worrier when it came to her sister's idea of fun and particularly with an American serviceman. Sally handled the character with finesse. Emily played by Kathleen Ronchi was the WAAAF member who worked with military secrets - frustrated in knowing what was coming, but unable to tell her friends. Kathleen gave a good performance in the role capturing the period well with excellent carriage and stage presentation. Janet (the land army girl) was played by Jodie Spencer. Jodie handled the role comfortably giving a genuine feel to the land army girl. Jane Forsythe was Katherine living with her Dad, working in the munition factory and trying to get into the Airforce. Jane captured the character and with a little more experience will make a fine actor. Katherine's father, the Air Raid Warden Frank, was played by Harry Paternoster. Frank had an injured leg so could not serve in the forces so made up by taking on the duties of an Air Raid Warden. Harry gave a good interpretation of the role - trying to understand his now grown up daughter and the news of his son in New Guinea. The Ghurka soldier Bir Bahadur Thepa who had been looked after by an Australian nurse and served with the Australian forces, was played by Kedar Paudel. Kedar had an advantage in this role as he came form Nepal where the Ghurkhas' are from. A good stage appearance, delivery and performance. Frank Maloney was Andrew the Air Force pilot who was in love with Katherine and was injured in a plane crash in Europe. Frank gave a fair interpretation of such a character, looking genuine in his uniform. Lorna Lowe was Margot the nurse captured by the Japanese and was Frank's sister which added to his worries. Lorna was playing for the first time and although she looked well as a prisoner she does need to work on her lines. A very satisfying evening with emphasis on authenticity with costumes, furnishings and radios. The production was one as a narrative form, with each player giving a monologue of their own story as well as working with each other. A very successful evening with a great audience appreciation. |
Salmac Productions