Melbourne Reviews

Photo  – Filip Konikowski

Bomb the Base maybe deceptively titled (Conversations with Teddy may have been a better option) but this full length Fringe production offers audiences a brilliant work of writing and a solid performance.

The narrative centres around conversations between Alice (Christina Walls), a high flying political analyst now settled in Washington and her childhood confidant, her Teddy. Having returned home to Australia for a brief visit as she joins the family in mourning the loss of her Uncle Ted, Alice shares insights into policy, values, the American-Australian relationship and on a personal note, the ruptures of violence in her own personal life.

Mark Andrew’s writing is well crafted and articulates ideas and concepts that are often too often only bantered about in academic circles and it was refreshing to see Louise Hewlett’s simple and effective direction come to the fore.

Walls, along with the rest of a strong supporting cast including Peter Taranto (Father) and Charlie Schneeberger (Professor) offers a highly emotive and deeply illuminative glimpse into our histories, both personal and national, private and public.

The venue, a small warehouse-like studio in Brunswick offered the perfect setting and complemented by good lighting and sound by Richard Lynford-Pike the atmosphere was improved through a good choice of space. The only exception would perhaps have been the opening voice over which was not very clear.

The first ten minutes are perhaps the slowest and the play does run a little too long but the overall production is a very good sample of the best work that the Fringe produces.


ReAction Theatre presents
Bomb The Base
by Mark Andrew

Directed by Louise Howlett

Venue: Studio 246 | 246A Sydney Rd Brunswick
Dates: Oct 4 - 8 2011
Tickets: $20 – $15
Bookings: 03 9660 9666 | www.melbournefringe.com.au

Part of the 2011 Melbourne Fringe Festival