Review by Jake Goodall
Tugun Theatre’s production of Forget Me Knot is hilariously entertaining!
Robert Zeinfeld is found wandering the streets of Leicester at 4:00 AM, suffering from amnesia. Back at the police station, Detective Inspector Monroe has his work cut out trying to discover just who the mystery man is. Does he truly lose his memory? The deeper Monroe digs, the more confused he becomes. Robert’s wealthy wife, Julia, wonders why her husband is found in Leicester. She appears to be more of a hindrance than a help to Monroe. And just what does Monroe’s wife Dr. Samantha have to do with this story? A verbally acrobatic farce – it doesn’t matter what is going on here, you’ll be too busy laughing to care!
Dawn China and Barry Gibson are back on the coast producing more funny English black comedy to thrill audiences night after night. Direction by China is simple, effective, and highly entertaining. Occasionally the blocking involves backs to the audience hiding gestures and facials, however, this doesn’t detract from the overall storyline of the production. China is known for their productions of black English satire, they have found a niche and are sticking to what they know!
Russell Williams’ Set Design makes effective use of the two areas, the interrogation room and the inspector’s office. Williams uses swinging flats to create different lounge rooms for the short scenes in each act, and this is a great way not to distract from the major setting. The Lighting Design by Luke Jones and Sound Design by Russell Williams help to move the story forward. Lighting is smart, using downlights in the interrogation rooms to really give it that harsh feeling, as well as a special on the phone proving its integral part of the production. The production features several blackouts that appear to be unnecessary. It may be beneficial to explore alternative methods of transitioning between scenes, which could potentially enhance the quality of the production.
Graham Scott as Inspector Monroe is terrifyingly fantastic. Their intense acting really helps to convey the comedy in this production. Scott’s comic timing is impeccable and has the whole audience in stitches! Adam Hellier’s Robert is fantastically clueless. Hellier embodies the character of Robert in every essence with his stubbornness and cheekiness. Hellier is a stunning actor with many years of experience, and it is clear in this production.
Jennifer Barker as Julia is stuck up and pretentious, just what this role calls for. The audience loves to hate this character with her fancy fashion and snobbish attitude. Barker really brings an edge to this role that is clear through their clever acting choices. Pamela Payne’s Samantha is sultry and conniving. Their convincing performance adds extra layers to this show and elevates the overall production.
Overall, this production is a fantastic night out at the theatre down in one of the most picturesque parts of the Gold Coast. All that’s left to say is BRAVO!
Forget Me Knot runs until the 25th of February 2023 at Tugun Theatre. Tickets are available here.
Bravo Gold Coast 