Tea Tree players always do farce very well, especially when Nobody’s Fool, the silly statistician in a sequel, is directed by Theresa (Lilly) Dolman. This play is very well written by Simon Williams. It’s timeless comedy, with subtle sexual innuendos, and lots of laughs.
Nobody’s Fool is a hilarious sequel to Nobody’s Perfect, which Tea Tree players presented and Lily also directed in August 2024. TASA gave the ComiCal Award to the original cast and production.
Not seeing the first production does not detract from the mayhem, laughs and fun of this one as there are plenty of funny references to get context if you haven’t seen it. There are two “new” characters, although only one new actor.
Lenny Loftus, was originally the winner of a competition by a feminist publishing company, which he qualified for by writing under the pen name of Myrtle Banbury. He/she is now a successful author of many romantic novels. The confident, “psychic” investigative TV presenter, Leticia Butters, wants to interview both Myrtle and Lenny on her show at same time. Sarcastic Casanova Gus, Larry’s father, and Dee Dee, his level-headed and promiscuous daughter, construct a plan using modern technology so that the interview with Lenny and Leticia can be broadcast, even though Myrtle is “up the Amazon”. Blonde Fran Sutherland, Lenny’s ex wife drops by unexpectedly and often, creating chaos, confusion and awkwardness for all. The result is a roller coaster of fun and frivolity.
Gavin Cianci’s dual role as Lenny Loftus and Aunt Myrtle excelled at the chameleon, quick changes and exchanges in voice action and movements between his two opposite identities. He looks stunning, in heels, a fetching purple dress and pearls, and has a great singing voice too.
Rick Mills’ accent and his characterization of the manipulative, lovable rascal, Gus (Lenny’s dad), who lives in the flat above Lenny, entranced not only the audience, but also Leticia with his funny one liners, but often not his grand daughter, Dee Dee.
Michelle Hrvatin’s experience showed in her loud, dramatic performance of Letitia Butters, the intuitive, controlling TV presenter who successfully seduced her way through Gus, to Lenny and Myrtle, with her confident powers of persuasion.
Charlie Klose’s teenage girl/woman characterization of Dee Dee Loftus was excellent, with her clear voice and excellent expression of the “3T era”, tips, tampons and tantrums.
One of the new characters, Fran, Lenny’s ex wife, who he still loves, initially confidently struts around the stage. However, when when Hayley Mitchell and Gavin Cianci are alone, they create the most awkwardly awkward scene together, in delightful contrast.
When the curtain opened to a split set, we saw naughty Gus’ upstairs flat on the left and Lenny’s downstairs basement office on the right, dramatised by Gus floor stomping and Lenny’s broom knocking to create the illusion, without a centre wall on the stage. Lily’s set design and Damon Hill’s usual flair for art, design and artwork completed the stage setting, which the cast helped to construct, build and paint. Many props gathered by Beth Venning and Sandra Surguy included two live goldfish, a set of encyclopaedia, phones and movie cameras.
The many sound effects, especially in the interview between Leticia and Lenny with Gus and Didi connected upstairs hilariously giving Myrtle’s “answers” to Letitia’s questions, were a joy to listen and watch. Kudos to Zach Britton for his sound design and Chelsea’s Da Ros’ sound operations. There were some interesting lighting effects at times, which added to the mystery and suspense.
Colourful costumes were created by the cast, Merici Thompson and the Monday club.
The audience laughed, sighed and wowed at all the one-liners, especially Gus’s “HOG ACT”. What does that stand for? Horny Old Goat After Closing Time! The performance lives up to its predecessor in the quality of actors, acting and direction and everything.
So book your tickets now and go along enjoy this performance as soon as possible.
