Biddies

04-05 May ,

Theatre reviews

For the husband, the adult child, the grandchild and the mature Australian lass to relate to

First published on 30 Nov 2011. Updated on 6 May 2012.

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Mildly funny, but not particularly heartfelt, Biddies wasn't all bad, but it was more than a hop, skip, and jump away from from good. Following on the success of Don Reid's earlier play Codgers, Biddies, the 'sequel', as it were, involves five women who come together each week for a sewing circle.

There's Ruth (Julie Hudspeth), who is the most morally uptight of the group, determined to get the sewing done on schedule - and not before or after. Connie (Donna Lee), on the other hand, wants the group to join in with her amateur musical theatrics. Beryl (Annie Byron) is, in the fiercist sense of the word, often distracted, while Agnes (Maggie Blinco) likes to quote the classics, much to the chagrin of Jess (Linden Wilkinson), who has to run to the toilet everytime liquid is mentioned. It sounds like a recipe for a fun night at the theatre - it isn't quite that.

Set in a classroom in Inglehurst, part of the plot revolves around the women getting trapped, something that comes about with much contrivance and bad luck. What should be humorous - the constant closing of the door (which is the signal to the security guard that the women aren't in the school that day, giving him the go-ahead to turn on the ultra-security locks) and the subsequent openings of it, as the audience wonders when it finally won't open - is instead far too repetitive to cause any real mirth. What could be emotionally viable material for a play - each woman having one issue that they inevitably and successfully overcome by the end of the night - instead comes across as leaning towards sap. One doesn't feel empowered by their victories; rather one merely recognises that they have occurred.

Still, there are many moments to amuse - especially for those of an older generation - and director Wayne Harrison gets some good performances out of a cast who clearly look to be having a good time. The shame is that it doesn't quite transfer to the audience members.

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Words by Tomas Boot