Who doesn’t want to make it big? And who wouldn’t do anything to get there?
Playwright David Williamson knows all about theatre, film and everyone in ‘the biz’, having been in it himself since 1967. His new play, The Big Time, explores all the dirty facets of the entertainment industry and some of those who inhabit it. There’s jealousy, betrayal, desire, deception, lies and straight-up backstabbing. It’s a grim insight into the lives of two actresses who went to drama school together and the different paths they’ve taken since.
Showbiz holds a sort of morbid fascination for a lot of the world, who look in from the outside seeing only glitz, glamour and the shining stars who make it to the top. There’s not much heed taken of the journey and hardships they went through to get there. That’s why Williamson’s play should have been a cracking and compelling piece of theatre. Alas, it doesn’t fully reach its sizzling potential, despite best efforts from director Mark Kilmurry.
Vicky (Claudia Barrie) and Celia (Aileen Huynh) play commendably off each other, but without having any backstory or relationship from which to pull, both characters seem under formed. We’re expected to accept their rivalry from the outset. Barrie is brazen and brash as independent-theatre-actress-with-a-chip-on-her-shoulder Vicky, and Huynh shows some of her classical training chops as the sincere Celia, but labours through this sincerity and never quite gets us on side.
Intertwined are the stories of Rohan (Celia’s struggling writer boyfriend, played by Jeremy Waters) and his old school mate Rolly (Ben Wood). While Waters has a nice energy in his role and interactions with Huynh, it’s his scenes with Wood that take flight. And that’s mostly due to Wood – he’s a wonderful addition to the cast with a fabulous gift for comedy. You believe they’ve just plucked him from the local pub.
Set design by Melanie Liertz is simple and effective, if a little stagnant. A change of scenery would have been welcome, but what we do get is functional. Similarly, her costumes could do with some more variety, but the details are good.
The Big Time is an entertaining piece, with enough to hold interest for its duration. It’s an entertaining look at an intriguing part of society straight from the horse’s mouth, but don’t expect any ground-breaking revelations or life-changing characters. The action is predictable and contrived, and the characters are superficial, but there’s enough in there to be engaged and allow yourself a chuckle or two.
Alana Kaye – Theatre Now
Photo Credit: Brett Broadman
The Big Time
David Williamson
18 Jan -16 March 2019
Venue: Ensemble Theatre
Theatre Company: Ensemble Theatre
Duration: Aprox 2 Hours including interval
Celia and Vicki were best friends at drama school, but the game of life has dealt them very different hands.
Celia is a high profile soap star earning ridiculous amounts of money and the requisite harbourside views. Meanwhile Vicki is scraping by in gritty, critically acclaimed roles in independent theatre.
When Vicki proposes they collaborate on an ambitious new film project, it could be a big opportunity for both of them to prove their mettle in the industry. But are Vicki’s motives as well-intentioned as they seem, or will jealousy rear its ugly head?
David Williamson’s trademark satirical pen finds razor-sharp form in this clever, stylish and sophisticated comedy set in the ruthless world of celebrity.
Celia and Vicki were best friends at drama school, but the game of life has dealt them very different hands.
Celia is a high profile soap star earning ridiculous amounts of money and the requisite harbourside views. Meanwhile Vicki is scraping by in gritty, critically acclaimed roles in independent theatre.
When Vicki proposes they collaborate on an ambitious new film project, it could be a big opportunity for both of them to prove their mettle in the industry. But are Vicki’s motives as well-intentioned as they seem, or will jealousy rear its ugly head?
David Williamson’s trademark satirical pen finds razor-sharp form in this clever, stylish and sophisticated comedy set in the ruthless world of celebrity.
Director
Mark Kilmurry
Cast includes
Claudia Barrie
Zoe Carides
Aileen Huynh
Matt Minto
Jeremy Waters
Ben Wood
Ticket Prices
From $38 – $80
