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 Brisbane Arts Theatre, until Saturday Nov 5
Staging battles on Terry Pratchett’s Discworld
In Borogravia, there’s a war on – again – and the last lads the army can scrape together to fling into battle are underage, underfed, and curiously effeminate. At Brisbane Arts Theatre, a vibrant young cast brings to life Terry Pratchett’s 31st Discworld novel, Monstrous Regiment. Stephen Briggs’ stage adaptation, while not quite nailing Pratchett’s style, is solid enough and certainly loyal to the text, in which Polly Perks, disguised as “Oliver”, goes to war in search of her brother, Paul.
Ellen Hardisty handles the gender-bending lead role with aplomb, while Frances Foo stands out as Maladict, a coffee-addicted vampire who becomes increasingly deranged as caffeine supplies dwindle. Kate Rohde also deserves a mention as the Igor who, with a sparkle in his eye, snacks on human fingers. John O’Connor is fantastic as Jackrum, the sergeant who refuses to retire; however, some pivotal scenes were let down by mumbling or a lack of sincerity from others in the supporting cast. The three witches – Bailey Millard, Janet Dudley and Madelaine Wallace – received the rowdy applause they deserve.
Robyn Edwards and Danni Stonehouse’s costume design is fantastic, with bright red military coats shining against a bare – almost empty – stage. The gentlemen-vampires look particularly spiffy, with Carborundum the troll taking the cake for most elaborate get-up. Tim Gawne’s lighting design adds life to the set, while awkward sound effects more often jolted us out of the narrative than drew us into it.
The play itself is somewhat overlong, with the pacing best in the second half – as the narrative drives the boys (or are they?) into battle. Regardless, it’s a fun night out – and all the more so if you’re a fan of the prolific fantasy author and his intricate world of witches, wizards, madmen and miscreants.
ZENOBIA FROST
For bookings, contact 3369 2344 or www.artstheatre.com.au
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