Weather
Produced by Q Theatre

Cast: Michelle Doake, Jo Turner, Julie Blake, Terry Norris

Written by: Gary Baxter
Director: Jennifer Hagan

Publicist: Q Theatre Internal

Australian Premiere: Q Theatre, Penrith. Wednesday, March 1, 2006.


The Lowdown:
First play of the Q Theatre's 2006 season.


AussieTheatre.com Review:
For some, the greatest fear once you've found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with is the possibility of losing them. In some ways, that is what Gary Baxter's play Weather is about. It's about finding love, sustaining it through the inevitable ups and downs of life and then saying goodbye despite the fact it's way too tough.

Weather is a clever play that traces a relationship over 50 years, from when the featured couple (from my recollection their names are never actually mentioned) were young lovers to their dramatic conclusion and a hard-hitting ending to their partnership.

The play is set in the present, with Terry Norris and Julie Blake as the couple, and there's flashbacks to their youth - with Jo Turner and Michelle Doake representing the young lovers. Towards the end of the piece there is a cross-over of sorts that is quite effective, as the storylines from the couple's youth meet in the reality of today.

Weather is a little slow at times - the first act is entertaining enough but there's no real substance. It gets much better in the second act, and while the ending is pretty much predictable and expected, it's still quite hard-hitting and confrontational, adding quite a bit of controversy to what is, on the whole, a comedic drama that explores the realities of love.

Gary Baxter's play is not perfect - but there's not too much wrong with it either. There's some strong content, but on the same token it's careful not to step over the line too much. Clearly, Baxter didn't want to lose the play's "soft" touch.

Terry Norris is a brilliant actor and he is superb in what is the play's toughest role. Julie Blake, too, is excellent, and Michelle Doake is wonderful - as always, she puts in a stellar performance. There's just something about Michelle Doake I have always loved and my opinion has not changed - she is nothing short of wonderful. Jo Turner shouldn't be left out - this show is very much an ensemble piece and he is an integral part of it.

Probably the most unfortunate part of the play is that it falls victim to over-kill. I see it so many times - plays that could end in a perfect place but go on one or two scenes too long. There's two scenes too many here - they aren't needed and it ruins would could have been a very emotional conclusion to the play.

All in all, Weather is an enjoyable piece and it's worth seeing, particularly for the talent on stage.


Production Shots:
None Available


Further Information:
Not Available