By Lucy Martin
Spotlight Theatre proves once again why amateur theatre doesn’t mean amateur production.
From local play writer James Hall, comes the psychological thriller BURN now
playing in the Basement Theatre. A magnetically dark play based on the story of
the troubled Michael Spencer who is recently ‘out’ on parole. We are taken
along his quest to mend his broken relationship with his only remaining family,
prove to himself that the crime he committed, which put him away for the last 9
years, was truly worth it and to convince his prison psychologist that he is in fact a
reformed man – but is he?
First and foremost I have to commend the INCREDIBLE work done on this brilliantly
built set. Design by Clem & Shelly Halpin was truly remarkable, and the ability to
bring that vision to life through the ever impressive work of Butch Bernet, Brian
Gibson and the rest of the team was exquisite. From the texture of the bathroom
tiles, to the mold climbing the walls, to the torn wallpaper and perfectly placed
pieces of trash. It was true excellence. I loved the clever use of the set
throughout the storyline too – with the police board covering just enough of the
set to create a different space to the cast ever so subtly pulling back and forth
the doona cover that was two sided to allude to the bedroom being one of a
different household. The directing experience of the team truly witnessed via
these small but impactful details.
Also to the lighting design by Leonnie (LJ) Jones and her team who created
clever moments where lighting was the leader for us as an audience as we
transitioned through the environments. From dimming slightly to take the
characters in and out of their scenes to the use of coloured flashes outside the
windows and my favorite – the sensor light at the front door. Genius. These truly
are the final touches that create a huge impact on us as an audience for
productions like these and everyone involved in these decisions should be so
proud of their work.
The small yet highly skilled cast really shone on this stage. Peter Maden as Donny
Jones gave us a loveable and trustworthy performance. He graced the stage
oozing with believability and presence. And I’m sure we’d all love to be in such
impressive shape that we can have the confidence to stand on a small stage in
front of a live audience with just our jocks on. Hats off to you sir! (Or should we say
pants off?)
Amy Young plays the gritty yet vivaciously sexy Governor Rebecca Peters and
gives a very solid performance in this role. Her character entrance, a highlight of
the show as she gave us everything we could want from a character like this
from the minute she stepped through the door. Looking forward to seeing her on
the stage again in the future.
Dr Joan Harding, played by the lovely Lilias Davie was a character favorite of
mine throughout the entire story. She really built layers onto Dr Harding
throughout, giving us a glimpse into how dangerous it can be when prison
psychologists get too invested in the journey of their criminally inclined clients. Her
commitment to character through the scene we all watched with a clenched
jaw (no spoilers here!) was absolutely incredible. This actress needs to continue to
grace us with her presence on the drama stage, as she would be a valuable
performer in any cast.
Ricky Moss plays the emotionally anguished yet loveable (well… like I said, no
spoilers) Stevie Spencer who is the brother on the outside of our leading man. He
does a wonderful job of tying this story together and his characters’ layers and
experiences throughout the story were palpable. Although the plot twist moment
did slightly lack enough build up to be truly shocking, the change in his
demeanor and psychological stance showed the talent of this wonderful actor.
For this production though, there were three things that truly made it as
impressive as it was.
The writing, the direction, and the leading man.
Writing by James Hall was beautifully poetic and unpredictable, which is what
makes great writing. Each character had impressive depth and the plot
constantly gave us layer upon layer of connections, experience and relatability.
We’ve come to expect brilliance from this talented writer and can’t wait to see
what he produces next.
In their Direction, Clem & Shelley Halpin with Erica Graham in the AD position,
have outdone themselves with this play. Everything is so well thought out, natural
and believable. With big plot twist moments handled with delicacy and
precision. An experienced team here and I look forward to seeing what they
stage in the future.
Last, but certainly not least, the leading man.
Starting the show with a shower silhouette, certainly had us ready for a good
show (!) but what was truly impressive was Rory Impellizzeri’s acting ability.
Playing the incredibly troubled Michael Spencer was a huge task, but this actor
took it in his stride and delivered an award winning performance within this
complex story. His commitment to character, believability and choices were that
of a professional and I found myself at times forgetting he was even acting. The
layers he built and the emotions he offered to us were amazing. You know an
actor is good when you’re uncomfortable watching them mistreat people
(abuse) and I can absolutely say, I was seriously uncomfortable! Impellizzeri is one
to watch and I am so looking forward to seeing what he does next.
Considering the intensely sensitive content within the show, and use of firearm
props, I do think a trigger warning at the beginning of the production would be a
thoughtful addition for audience members. But other than this, it was a full night
of real, tangible theatre and I was thoroughly entertained from the minute that
classic tune rung through my ears.
Congrats to all involved, and bravo!
Until next time!
Bravo Gold Coast 