LAUGHS AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT IN TROUPE’S LATEST

Torquay Theatre Troupe’s latest production, When Dad Married Fury, is classic David Williamson: an intelligently drawn slice of Australian life set in a particular time and place, featuring memorable characters and lots of laughs amid a deeper, socially aware sub-text.

Set in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, the play’s main theme centres on greed and its devastating impacts – on ordinary people’s lives, poignantly embodied by recently widowed Judy (Gay Bell) and her daughter Laura (Mandy Calderwood); and on family relationships.

The latter is evident in the way brothers Ian (Fred Preston) and Ben (Kevin Fitzpatrick) react to their multi-millionaire father, Allen (Paul Friend), arriving back in Australia with his new wife, Fury (Robyn Farrar).

Apart from her youth and former beauty queen status, they are worried about what she means for their sizeable inheritance.

Fury is a force of nature: an ultra-conservative Christian and card carrying member of America’s far right Tea Party.

Her introduction to the family provides the platform for much scheming between the two brothers and Ian’s wife Sue (Meryl Friend), highlighting their greed.

The contrast between Fury and Laura’s values showcases the conflicts between left- and right-wing politics, although a surprise towards the end indicates the two may have more in common than they think.

The witty one-liners come thick and fast to provide laughs aplenty.

The production itself is marked by the uniformly excellent performances of its ensemble cast under the skilful direction regular Troupe audience members have come to expect from Michael Baker.

In all, an entertaining night out that also offers much food for thought afterwards.

Tickets are selling fast. If you haven’t already, book now at ttt.org.au to avoid missing out.