Melbourne Reviews

Some theatrical productions ask the audience to sit back, relax and enjoy the show. Others require concentration. They demand involvement, intellectual application and the willingness to be engrossed as the plot evolves.

The Darkening Sky by Victorian Theatre Company and Theatre Works is just such a production. It’s intense, suspenseful, mystifying and intriguing. The audience is left pondering the meaning, the process and the outcome.

This is an intricate play written by contemporary playwright Richard Murphet. Is it theatre noir? It does have a noir-like quality.

Murphet has woven a multifaceted story that is sometimes hard to grasp. This is deliberate it seems, highlighting the fact that memories are often hard to recall because as the line between recollection and dreams blurs as the years pass by.

The play evolves as James the aged narrator (Brian Lipson) is grasping at flimsy memories trying to weave a more solid recollection of his past. Characters from different eras of his past crisscross time and Eloise Kent’s ingenious stage.

Lipson captures the full gamut of emotions and frustrations that James experiences as he tries to make sense of scenes from his past. This is no mean feat as this performance is the thread that holds together a complex variety of story threads. 

Tony Reck also plays a pivotal and intriguing role as the ever-silent barman hovering in the background of much of the production. His background presence is a comforting fixture, reminding the audience that this is a life story, one that could indeed be told to a barman.

Pianist and composer Adrian Montana’s music adds a haunting quality, adding to the unfolding emotions as James faces the more painful memories of his past.

The narrator James, the barman and the pianist seem to underpin the story as it unfolds.

Edwina Wren and Mark Tregonning are powerful as James’ parents. Tom Dent is adept as the detective Tony who is also trying to unravel the truth of James’ complex past. And Matthew Connell is delightful as Young Jamie. Delightful because he so beautifully portrays the innocence of a young man caught up in a web of intrigue beyond his comprehension. Rebekah Hill aptly holds her own as his young love interest, Chantal. Adam Pierzchalski and Anthea Davis ably complete the ensemble in their various roles.

The city of Melbourne is also a palpable element of this play. Audience members react to references to Melbourne’s various geographical places, almost more than to other elements of this play.

Finally mention must go to the costumes designed by Eloise Kent. Kent has subtly and accurately captured the past eras through costume in a way that can’t be done through a single set design.