Review by Gail Sjogren

Improbable Fiction; enjoyable fact

If you are looking for deep philosophical discussion or challenging intellectual debate this is probably not the play for you. But if light-hearted entertainment and a really good laugh are more your preference at this hectic time of year, then you will find both at BNT’s current production, Improbable Fiction.

The action takes place at the elegant home of Arnold Hassock, convenor of the local writers’ circle. Six would-be writers assemble to discuss their latest efforts, all of which sound fairly unlikely ever to find a publisher. A funny but low-key first act closes, thunder is heard, and in Act Two chaos ensues as the writers’ characters come to life. So wacky is this concept that I will not try to explain what follows, only to say that the pace becomes frenetic as poor Arnold struggles to work out what is going on. Characters from all the writers’ efforts, a dead body upstairs, a poetry spouting detective with a weeping sergeant, various Victorian ladies, mad sci-fi alien hunters, a wicked nephew and a helpless victim all appear and disappear in Arnold’s living-room.

Simon Carroll, playing the well-meaning but bewildered Arnold, remains recognisable throughout and very effectively anchors the whole mad romp as everyone else changes character, costumes and accents. Newcomer to Ballarat Lisa Hand is a charming and flirtatious Ilsa, then the helpless and vulnerable Victorian maiden, while another newcomer, Alana McDonald, clearly relishes her role as the giggly creator of the weeping sergeant whom she then brings to life. Peter Vanderkley clearly enjoys being in turn a Victorian villain and a poetic detective, while Christine Holmes, Jane Gaylor and Hedley Thompson show yet again what remarkably versatile actors they are in a range of contrasting roles which really display their acting talents. This is a remarkably strong ensemble cast whose amazing energy and quick change ability leave me in awe.

Directed and designed by Peter Nethercote, the production has all the hallmarks of his attention to detail, with a wonderfully atmospheric set, excellent costuming (requiring the quickest of quick changes), and some wonderful props. Better still as a recommendation, the cast clearly enjoy themselves enormously, which is usually a reliable indication that the audience will do the same.