National Times

The Marian Street production of 84 Charing Cross Road is about as poorly directed as was David Williams' recent production of The Circle and is similar to that play in other ways.

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Penrith's Q Theatre, warriors of the western region, are faced with much the same situation as Marian St. Both companies work in a particular region, for fairly clearly defined (if different) audiences, and with limited resources.

Yet the story of Penrith's Q is one of endless effort to find ways of enriching their audience.

This week the Q celebrates its seventh year in the region, the opening of a new, larger auditorium, and a new show - the Sentimental Bloke. The company's move west, as everyone now says, was bold and worthy and it's attitude to its audience is exemplary. But most importantly, especially for this audience, the company can put together a first-class show.

The Sentimental Bloke is an Australian melodrama and, since it is better than many, merits this, its first revival. The play is full of suitably silly action, and is rich in language (its best feature) and character.

At heart, however, it's the usual story of romance: in this case between rough diamond Bill, the Bloke himself, and Doreen, a well brought up girl.

Most outstanding about this production, aside from its historicai interest, is Doreen Warburton and Arthur Dick's orchestration of the action. Defying all current economic logic, they have harnessed together a huge cast, and put it to endlessly inventive use.

Overflowing with character, fun and life, this production shows that, while money helps, it can never replace imagination and spirit in the theatre.

Also impressive is Nicholas Eadie's performance as the Bloke. This new actor has wit and charm, a handsome presence and voice.

Jewel of the performance is his hilarious one-man version to his mates of Romeo and Juliet, after Doreen has taken him to see the play. The script here is good, too, straight C. J. Dennis verse, with the tale translated into Aussie vernacular.

Cathryn Bray's Doreen is likable, but a little stiff. David Kerslike as Ginger Mick and Liz Lancaster as Rosee lead the rest of the cast through the play in good style - Tony Preece's suave pretender and villain being the only obvious disappointment.

Jenni Muir turns in a set that responds well to the production's many demands, though is not as handsome as her costumes.

For a birthday present to itself, the Q has an attractive and successful production on its hands.

Killara and Penrith might be two different worlds in some ways, but this doesn't explain why one region's theatre has so little life and the other's so much. Ultimately it's the responsibility of the companies, and judging by their current productions, the Q Theatre seem to have a more cogent idea of its purpose.

JAMES WAITES
The National Times 15 to 21 April 1983, p33