Hubris & Humiliation – REVIEW

Hubris & Humiliation – REVIEW
Image: Melissa Kahraman and Andrew McFarlane in Sydney Theatre Company’s Hubris & Humiliation, 2023. Photo: Prudence Upton ©

Take a Jane Austen novel, smear it with Vegemite, coat it in glitter, put it on the barbie with some prawns, hang a mirror-ball mozzie zapper over the top and you’ve turned Pride and Prejudice into Hubris & Humiliation. Sydney Theatre Company’s new production is hilarious, camp, and quintessentially Australian. 

Written by Lewis Treston and directed by Dean Bryant, Hubris & Humiliation has the laugh-a-minute pace of a sitcom, with lots of heart, a bit of arse, and the vaguest hint of class.

Ryan Panizza and Roman Delo in Sydney Theatre Company’s Hubris & Humiliation, 2023. Photo: Prudence Upton ©

Bernice Delaney (Celia Ireland) is the Brisbane mother of two adult children, Elliott (Roman Delo) who is gay, and Paige (Melissa Kahraman) who is impetuous. Paige has a devoted boyfriend, Brendan (Matthew Cooper) whose affection she does not share. 

Celia Ireland in Sydney Theatre Company’s Hubris & Humiliation, 2023. Photo: Prudence Upton ©

Bernice reveals that she has fallen prey to a catfish and the family is now severely in doubt and on the brink of eviction. But she has a plan. Inspired by the impending nuptials of Elliott’s best friend, Warren (Ryan Panizza) and his unseen ridiculously wealthy older man, Bernice decides she’ll send Elliott to Sydney to stay with his rich gay uncle, Roland (Andrew McFarlane) who’ll find him a rich gay husband. 

Henrietta Enyonam Amevor in Sydney Theatre Company’s Hubris & Humiliation, 2023. Photo: Prudence Upton ©

 

Roman Delo and Henrietta Enyonam Amevor in Sydney Theatre Company’s Hubris & Humiliation, 2023. Photo: Prudence Upton ©

Bernice and Roland have bad blood between them, the cause of which is revealed later in the play. It’s one of a multitude of twists in the pretzel-like plot that makes this show the kind of high-farce only a self-aware writer with razor wit can pull off. And Treston does. 

Most of the cast play multiple roles, with Panizza playing another major character, William, a handsome, young, very wealthy gay who is trying to court Elliott. 

Ryan Panizza and Roman Delo in Sydney Theatre Company’s Hubris & Humiliation, 2023. Photo: Prudence Upton ©
Mathew Cooper and Celia Ireland in Sydney Theatre Company’s Hubris & Humiliation, 2023. Photo: Prudence Upton ©

Henrietta Enyonam Amevor is great fun in the roles of Chantel and Juki, bringing youthful sass to the bogan/foppish/arrogant mix contributed by other characters. 

The set, designed by Isabel Hudson, comprises Regency period blue ornate walls with doors and hatches from which props and furniture enter to affect a change of scene. Incidental music composed by Mathew Frank accompanies transitions and helps underscore mood. 

Sydney Theatre Company’s Hubris & Humiliation, 2023. Photo: Prudence Upton ©
Sydney Theatre Company’s Hubris & Humiliation, 2023. Photo: Prudence Upton ©

Treston’s script is bitingly funny with lots of zingers. Many of the jokes will only land with those au fait with queer culture, but the Aussie-isms should have broad appeal. 

A thoroughly enjoyable show that may just find its way to the pool room along with other comedy icons. 

Until March 4

Wharf  1Theatre, 15 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay

www.sydneytheatre.com.au

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