‘All that Glitters’ is the latest hilarious Indie production from The Last Great Hunt, one of WA’s most respected groups. This 55-minute, Sarah Weber production for adults, is a devised piece by the cast, Gita Bezard and Kathryn Osborne about ‘hope in the face of hopelessness’. It can be seen at the Blue Room Theatre, James Street, Northbridge each evening at 7.00 until 29th August.
The stage has a two metre high, gold shimmer curtain totally covering the walls on three sides. The floor is pale blue with gold writing, stating ‘All that glitters’. Above is a mirror ball. Designer, Tessa Darcey has fashioned a wonderfully warm and exciting nightclub location. She has also created the costumes of gold lamé onesies, like spacemen’s suits, for the four cast members.
The lighting and sound design by Joe Lui has been carefully thought out, ranging from a lively scene to a stark and dark, lonely location.
To loud Taylor Swift music, the four Hunters dressed in gold, with sparkling gold dust on their face and hair, enter the stage. They appear to be hugging or caressing an invisible baby – a refugee. After an energetic dance routine, one of the male Hunters (Chris Isaacs) steps forward and explains how their aim is to ‘save’ a refugee from being deported every few minutes. A counter appears on the rear wall stating that so far, no one has been saved.
With all of the pseudo-sincerity of the actors in a TV advertising programme for kitchen appliances, the four smile and explain their aims. We are next invited to join Chris and Arielle (Arielle Gray) with two of their friends (Adriane Daff, Jeffrey Jay Fowler) in their tastelessly decorated dining room. Adriane and Jeffrey – with ham acting (intentional) that would make ‘The Days of Our Lives’ look like high drama – explain to their hosts how much more they have done for the suffering minorities.
Will a heart rending, arousing speech and an amazing tap dance sequence by this highly dedicated team save a few more dozen downtrodden lives?
Talented director Gita Bezard has packed this show with subtle laughs. From the dryly delivered, yet overstated performances with the flowery ingratiating script, the belly laughs flowed non-stop. This highly experienced cast, with Equity nominated members, had the audience in the palms of their hands. Each actor played several characters, from shy to bold, from wimpy to orator; the whole of life is packed into this fun hour. A great start to the Blue Room’s new season.