Michael Gow’s classic play ‘Away’ recently had its memorable 20th anniversary production at the Stables theatre. The play tells of three families from the same school who meet up during their summer vacation. Gow, currently the Artistic Director of the Queensland Theatre Company, came down to direct the production himself.
Gow put on a great show. The aspect that impressed me most was how all the cast truly nailed their parts.
Georgina Symes was excellent in one of the pivotal roles as the headmaster’s disturbed wife Carol. Carol hasn’t been able to cope with life, after the tragic death of her son. Symes conveyed her characters’ anguish, how she latches onto everyone around in an effort to break out of her misery.
Joss McWilliam played Carol’s aggrieved husband, Roy. McWilliam’s portrayal was spot on, depicting a conservative, powerful man, the school headmaster, who was at the end of his tether because of his wife’s increasingly bizarre behaviour.
Leon Cain’s portrayal of schoolboy Tom was right on the money. His Tom was virtuous and kind and high spirited though stricken with cancer. Cain caught the main quality of his character, the way that he is able to ‘reconcile’ and bring out the best in people.
Daniel Murphy and Sue Dwyer played Tom’s parents, Harry and Vic. The actors captured the dilemma that they felt. How do they continue going on living, and aiming to have a great holiday, when they know their great teenage son is about to lose his battle with cancer?!
Francesca Savige as Meg gave a clear portrayal of her character, an average, bright, cheerful adolescent girl.
Barbara Lowing played Meg’s mother, Gwen. Hers’ was the character that everyone loves to hate. Gwen was a woman brought up under deep financial hardship, and is determined that nobody forget this, especially Meg. Lowing had a good handle on what was essentially her killjoy character.
Richard Sydenham played Gwen’s husband, Jim. Sydenham vividly portrayed a conservative, good natured man who had the patience of a saint to cope with his depressing, manipulative wife.
Michael Gow’s creative team featured in the main roles, Robert Kemp as set designer, Damien Cooper as lighting man, Brett Collery as composer, and Neridah Waters as choreographer.
