Bittersweet comedy AT THE HEART OF TORQUAY THEATRE TROUPE’S LATEST

Kathryn O’Neill, Skye Staude, Michael Baker and Frankie Swithinbank in The Memory of Water directed by local playwright Sandra Fairthorne.

Torquay Theatre Troupe’s latest production The Memory of Water tells a story of family drama infused with bittersweet comedy.

Directed by local playwright Sandra Fairthorne, The Memory of Water by Shelagh Stephenson follows the journey of three sisters who reunite over the death of their mother.

Combining themes of memory loss, grief and despair, the play won the Oliver Award for best comedy after it opened at Hampstead Theatre in 1996.

Local actors including Claudia Clark, Michael Baker, Kathryn O’Neill and Ethan Cook will take the stage alongside
newcomers Skye Staude and Frankie Swithinbank in a heart-warming and amusing portrayal of family dysfunction.

Director Sandra Fairthorne said she was delighted to take on the role, having been a fan of the play since she first read the script over a decade ago.

“Stephenson was actually herself going through the death of her mother at the time of writing, so the play has a starkness and authenticity to it, balanced always by her wonderful ability to create humour out of tragedy,” she said.

Review
This is a funny, moving tragicomedy about three sisters struggling with grief, forced together for their mother’s funeral. Each sister has different memories of the same events, causing constant bickering about whose memories are true. To add to the mix, the ghost of their mother hovers in one sister’s dreams, giving insights into the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship scarred by events and decisions neither of them wants to admit to. Joined by two men – one a
sister’s married lover, the other bound by marriage – the three sisters’ hidden lies and self-betrayals are gradually revealed.

The play opens at 8pm on Monday May 13 at 16 Price Street, Torquay.

Opening night attendees will receive a complimentary glass of champagne. The show will also be performed on May 16, May 17, May 18, May 23, May 24 and May 25 at 8pm.

An afternoon performance on Sunday May 19 will begin at 2pm. Seats are limited.

To book, visit trybooking.com.au or phone 5261 6111.