There’s something humbling about local theatre. From the modest décorto the mixed bag of people who attend it, theatre provides a welcome distraction from reality. La Mama Theatre simply overflows with passion from the welcoming staff to the skilled actors. Once you have a ticket in hand, you’re welcomed into a world similar to that of your eccentric aunt; snug and friendly with some strange (but not unpleasant) smells.
I found myself at La Mama Courthouse last week for the opening of A Fitzroy Romance. Set in 1997, we are transported back to a time when Blur were cool and e-mail was starting to creep into our lives. Our protagonists – Bron and Ben – are blissfully free from responsibility as they indulge in all-hours drinking, a lack of cleaning, and forget time. They represent youth; carefree, naive, and all too short-lived. Their late nights out are brought to a halt when Bron is involved in an accident. As their world crashes down around them, they are forced to consider responsibility, commitment, and growing up.
Bron and Ben’s story is filled with 90s references, particularly to Melbourne, which struck a chord with most of the audience. Ripples of laughter spread across the diverse audience, clearly enjoying the nostalgia of the places they grew up in and the music they listened to. Whilst I was rocking out to the Spice Girls and sipping on lemonade in 1997, I could still relate to the play. After all, themes dealing with the young adult are often timeless and universal. They’re even more relatable when played out by such recognisable characters – my friend commented immediately after the show that Ben reminded her of a boy in High School. It wasn’t the most flattering comparison, but proved that the characters created by Kieran Carroll stretch across many decades.
Bron and Ben are played with flair by Lee McClenaghan and Paul Mercuri. Their passion for the roles was obvious, their chemistry easy. With her puppy-dog eyes, Lee displays an impressive range between drunkenness and sadness, self-pity and love. Her hair is short for this role, and you can’t help but wish she’d make the transition for good, so much does it highlight her sharp cheekbones. Paul too, seems made for his character. And with an acting career in Shakespeare awaiting him in London, he clearly is a talented and versatile actor.
A Fitzroy Romance is a welcome distraction to the outside world, and I highly recommend seeing it. Although at 70 minutes it is slightly repetitive at times, the play will draw you in with laughter, nostalgia, and some good, solid questions.
A Fitzroy Romance is playing until May 29th at La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton, Melbourne.
Wed & Sun: 6:30pm Thurs – Sat: 8:00pm
Tickets $25/$15
Bookings 9347 6142 / www.lamama.com.au
