Review: The Real Thing
Tom Stoppard’s The Real Thing is a theatrical comedy/drama focused on two central characters––Henry (Christopher Tomkinson) a successful playwright, and Annie (Ainslie McGlynn) his mistress-turned-wife. The entire cast are involved in the inevitably precarious dance of fidelity.
Instantly amusing from the beginning, this play is filled with dry English humour. Quick and witty repartee, along with comical facial expressions from all involved, set the scene for a mere comedy––but it soon exceeds the expectations it, itself, sets.
The second act is greatly superior, thought-provoking and emotionally involved. After what seemed like an almost redundant first act, focused on personas, and relationships that didn’t provide anything to the story. It almost deterred the attention of the audience from forming an emotional connection with the lead characters, and their increasingly essential role in the play.
An excitingly written production, with an array of wordplay, acuity, humour and an honesty regarding loyalty, relationships, love, and life.
Focused primarily on the give and take in partnerships, how things evolve and can become different in mere seconds. With inescapable, stimulating dialogue between father and daughter, ex-spouses, lovers, and an overall candour towards the written and spoken word. The Real Thing is an entertaining play, that touches on many subjects with subtlety and great disposition. (RM)
**1/2
Until Nov 7. New Theatre, 542 King Street Newtown. $17-$32. Tickets & info: newtheatre.org.au/the-real-thing/
BY ROCIO BELINDA MENDEZ
