There is no other way to explain KCC Theatre’s production of Louis Nowra’s Cosi at Stratford Courthouse on Saturday, August 20, but absolutely, unequivocally fantastic.
While it might be warranted to think a debut show for a community theatre company would struggle to fill seats, that is far from true in the case of KCC Theatre.
The production of Cosi saw every seat at Stratford Courthouse filled, and those who managed to score a hot ticket were not disappointed. Not at all.
KCC Theatre founder, production manager and actor Richard Kemp’s energetic, knee-slappingly funny performance as Roy stole the show, leaving the audience with misty eyes and sore bellies from laughter.
Not to say the entire cast wasn’t also excellent.
Acting director Connor Hodges, who played Lewis, the protagonist, was fantastic, growing and developing his character throughout the performance so subtly that you only noticed as the show ended. A difficult task to accomplish in theatre but accomplish Hodges did.
A special mention should be made to Abby Kemp, who played the character of Ruth. Unfortunately, Gracelyn Warford, who was cast as Ruth, succumbed to COVID just two days before opening night – a devastating revaluation for production manager Kemp and Hodges.
Being the supportive wife that she is, Abby raised her hand to fill in the role learning her entire script – lines, cues, character – everything in less than 48 hours.
If it hadn’t been for Hodges, who addressed the audience after the performance on Saturday night, thanking Abby for stepping in and learning her part at such short notice, you would never have guessed.
But again, it is to be stressed that the entire KCC Theatre cast was absolutely phenomenal, the performance hilariously captivating from open to close.
In the opening scene, we are introduced to Lewis, a dweeby, almost spineless young man fresh out of university, who has taken a job at a Melbourne Psychiatric hospital to direct a play with the facilities’ patients.
Showing Lewis the derelict theatre space is Justine, a perky and cringingly honest social worker played by Kathleen Macreadie.
We meet Lewis’ best friend Nick, played by Brodie Anderson and his girlfriend Lucy, played by Abby Lee, who are left-wing protestors hell-bent on ending the Vietnam War, which is dividing Australia.
Cue Roy.
And the laughs, which did not stop.
We meet Roy, a zealous mental patient whose dream is to perform Mozart’s opera Cosi Fan Tutte and will stop at nothing to make sure that happens.
Then we meet Doug, a ruthlessly witty pyromaniac played by Kaleb Moore.
Cherry, played by Grace Smit, a woman who aggressively expresses her big emotions, including her instantaneous crush on Lewis.
Julie, played by Abby Lee, a flirtatious and irresistible junkie who catches Lewis’ eye.
Ruth, played by Abby Kemp, literally the most literal person there ever was.
Zac, also played by Brodie Anderson, a doped-up space cadet whose every line and overall stage presence is a total crack-up.
And leaving one of the best for last, Henry. Jade Guedelha’s performance of Henry, a quiet, nervous former lawyer who finds his voice later in the show, was outstanding.
Guedelha’s use of body language, movement and facial expressions tautened attention. As the play progressed, his character, Henry, grew increasingly entrancing, leading the audiences to learn of his multifaceted persona full of grief, anger, despair and loss portrayed between hilarious bouts of comedic action.
Guedelha gave a highlight performance in an all-around fantastic show.
You will often read the words ‘you don’t want to miss this,’ and the statement is merely just not true. But in the case of KCC Theatre’s production of Louis Nowra’s Cosi, when you read the words ‘you don’t want to miss this,’ it is absolutely, positively, 100 per cent true.
Cosi is a multifaceted, hilariously dark comedy that mesmerises you from start to finish.
Five stars KCC Theatre, five stars.
For those unable to get a seat for KCC Theatre’s sold-out show last weekend, never fear; more is near.
KCC Theatre is heading on a Gippsland tour performing Cosi, with the next performances scheduled in Bairnsdale on September 17 and 18 and Sale on September 23 and 24.
For more information on Gippsland tour dates and ticket bookings, head to KCC Theatre’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KCCTheatreProductions
