Georgie Parker and Glen Hazeldine bring David Williamson’s play to Brisbane audiences at Billie Brown Theatre until 21 June.
They are Australia’s answer to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, giving us a fiery exchange of views full of passion and magnetic attraction.
Williamson’s words fly into our imaginations, creating hope for clear and forthright communication that is missing in “the real world”.
“We can’t talk about Mahler all day.”
“What can we talk about?”
“The things ordinary couples talk about. What’s on the shopping list, when to take the garbage out, what wine to buy. ” (apologies to Williamson)
We watch a couple storming and forming a relationship. Separately, they are lonely and middle-aged, full of regret for past mistakes but still coming alive at the thought of companionship and intimacy.
The play is a cry from the heart for the ordinary when being special didn’t deliver.
Parker and Hazeldine developed the roles for the play’s premiere at the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney in 2010. They still own the roles. Ensemble partners with QTC for this production.
Directed by Mark Kilmurry, with set design by Veronique Benet and Lighting by Ben Hughes.
Daryl Wallis must have had the time of his life doing the sound. The music was the third actor in this production, and it seamlessly played its part.
Take your better half. There’s depth to this play that changes us subtly for the better. Pure David Williamson at his gentlest!.
At the Billie Brown Theatre until 21 June.
https://queenslandtheatre.com.au/plays/rhinestone-rex-and-miss-monica
Kerry McGovern
