“Rabbit and Crow is a stunning achievement—one that demonstrates the power of theatre to weave together dark humour, heartbreak and thought-provoking themes.”
Fiona Hallenan-Barker
4.5 Daises
Venue: Flight Path Theatre
Sydney
Date: 7th March 2025
A modern fable that brings joy to the heart and a tear to the eye.
Written and directed by Leon Ford, this intimate chamber piece offers a whimsical yet poignant exploration of life, death, and friendship through the unlikely pairing of a Rabbit and a Crow. Rabbit and Crow delicately tugs at the heartstrings while weaving in moments of humour, tenderness, and unexpected joy.
The play opens with Rabbit. In a flash, a peaceful moment is soon disrupted by tragedy. Rabbit is stuck, vulnerable, and facing an uncertain fate. As a mother with a large family, Rabbit’s vitality and independence make her both deeply relatable and incredibly endearing. Played by Sophie Gregg, Rabbit exudes warmth and resilience even in the most dire of situations, creating a character that is both funny and heartbreaking.
Enter Crow, played by Justin Smith, whose cool, aloof demeanour contrasts beautifully with Rabbit’s liveliness. Smith’s portrayal of Crow is equally flawless, exuding the right mix of detached curiosity and impending danger. The interaction between Smith’s Crow and Gregg’s Rabbit is nothing short of captivating, their witty banter and evolving dynamic forming the heart of the piece. At times Ford’s writing lets the audience stay just ahead of the characters, creating a delightful tension that keeps the stakes high throughout.
As if the situation weren’t precarious enough, a third character, played by Philip Lynch, enters the stage. Lynch’s second Crow, with his sharp intensity and eerie presence, heightens the drama and adds a real sense of urgency to the unfolding events. The addition of Lynch brings a fresh layer of comedy and danger to the piece. His perfectly timed entrance into the story literally has the audience on the edge of their seats.
The design elements and intimate playing space work to amplify the urgency of the situation. The audience is right there with Rabbit and Crow, feeling the weight of each moment in a way that only theatre can achieve. It’s a rare experience where the proximity of the performers to the audience adds to the emotional stakes rather than diminishing them.
A standout feature of the production is the acapella singing that punctuates key moments. The haunting melodies sung by Smith and Lynch resonate deeply, adding a layer of poetic beauty to the performance. The audience are transported into a simpler world, allowing them to fully immerse in the emotional depth of the play.
Ford is a writer and director with keen ear for language and an ability to extract nuanced performances. He has crafted a piece that thrives on subtlety and detail. The animal work in this production is a testament to the dedication and skill of the actors. Smith’s Crow, as he delicately picks at his black nail varnish behind his back, gives a sense of a creature who isn’t just hunting for food, but one who is able to embrace an existential epiphany from the simplest of meals. The attention to these small but significant details enhances the production’s believability and emotional resonance.
Rabbit and Crow is a stunning achievement—one that demonstrates the power of theatre to weave together dark humour, heartbreak and thought-provoking themes. The production team have created something truly special here: a fable that is as relevant as it is timeless. This production is a must-see, and for anyone who hasn’t yet visited Sidetrack Theatre, now is the time. The venue is everything an independent theatre should be: warm, inviting, and brimming with talent.
As sure as night follows day, you will want to get a ticket to Rabbit and Crow.
Fiona Hallenan-Barker, Theatre Now
