Director Matt Byrne had his four main characters take us through four episodes of the popular television sit-com, stitching them together successfully. The advertising promised a politically incorrect comedy and that was definitely what we got.

 

The set was functional, being largely divided into three main performing areas, which suited the TV convention of rapid cuts rather well, allowing the focus to move swiftly from one scene to the next. That was effectively backed by a video screen which conveyed credits as snippets of background to the plots.

 

The casting was well-balanced, with each pair being nicely matched.  Rohan Watts was engaging as Gary, making the most of his character's few strengths and many weaknesses. He was on the receiving end of plenty of humour and scorn from Dorothy, skilfully and consistently played by Georgia Stockton. 

 

Brendon Cooney as Tony was both vulnerable in a Frank Spencer-like way, as well as being a very cheeky comic. Cheryl Douglas, playing Deborah, was a wonderfully straight foil for Cooney, frustrating his advances with stoicism and clever put-downs.

 

They were well supported by those in minor roles, especially John Matsen as George, Heather Riley as Anthea, Matt Byrne as the barman and Niki Martin in her various roles.

 

In the main the production was true to the original, and flowed well enough. Later in the second Act, though, there were occasional lapses in focus on stage  and some of the scene changes, otherwise efficient and supportive of the action, were a little hesitant and intrusive.

 

 

Cast of Men Behaving Badly