Playwright Bill Naughton’s best known work is about a charismatic larrikin named Alfie, who besides being rather misogynistic flits from one woman to another without any thought for anyone. His own pleasure is paramount to his many endeavours and though he tries to justify his abhorrent behaviour to the audience, he never does find out what it’s all about.

 

Director Matt Byrne has assembled a large cast to help Alfie Elkins played by Marc Clements tell the story of love in the swinging 60s. Clements does a fine job in capturing what makes Alfie tick. He is confident and comfortable as he delivers his many monologues and commentary on his pursuits. Despite his awful treatment of women, there is a likeable quality that is important for the story to be successful and Clements captures this beautifully.

 

A dated script full of old fashioned views (hopefully), Alfie at times is a gentle reminder of the lower rank women held in society.

 

The soundtrack to this show took you down memory lane and the scene changes were performed with ease by many stage-hands. Lighting worked well to establish mood and costumes were fitting of the time.

 

Wonderful performances were given by Nicholas Stagg as rocker Sharpey and Bronwyn Ruciak was hilarious in her small but memorable role as Flo. Heather Riley as Lily was understated in her characterisation.

 

Pace could definitely be improved, as many scenes seemed to drag, but this had a lot to do with the script rather than direction