This very funny, adult play has bawdy and strong language. It was revived in July 2008 at the Duke of York’s Theatre, and starred Chris O’Dowd, Catherine Tate and Francesca Annis.

This very entertaining production consists of three, half-hour plays (no interval) and is being presented by the Melville Theatre Company at the Melville Theatre, on the corner of Stock Road and Canning Highway in Melville. The performances start at 8.00 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights until 23^rd July. There is one matinée on Sunday 17^th July at 2.00 pm.

The scenery is a very effective, crisscross arrangement of white muslin hangings against a black drape background. Designer, Susan Lynch has then added minimal furniture, just enough to establish the location. Stage manager Victoria Dixon and assistant Roy Sainsbury had a wonderful team who moved in rapidly and changed a kitchen to a bedroom in just a few seconds.

Lars Jensen’s lighting design had the usual floods, but employed new strip LEDs at the foot of the hangings, this helped them change colour simply and successfully. Great effect, with well selected colours for the action in each Act. Lighting and sound smoothly operated by Vici Richardson.

Act 1 – an apartment near the London docks, Feb 1996.

       Disinterested schoolteacher, Nick (Sean Bullock) has invited his warm, loving girlfriend, Helen (Georgina Kling – a solid, emotional performance) back to his flat for the first time in their year long, unrequited relationship.

     Nick has prepared a delicious meal and is about to make his important announcement.

Act 2 – Graham’s bedroom, Essex May 1997

        Shy, school laboratory technician, virginal Graham (Zac Bennett-McPhee) has managed to lure sexy schoolmistress, Michelle (Petrina Harley – the ultimate slut) to his bedroom.

       Could this be the answer to all of his dreams and even marriage?

Act 3 – Anne’s patio in Devon, August 1998

        In her late middle age and now retired, Anne (Joy Northover) is serving drinks to a visitor; an ex-work colleague, youngish Robert (Garry Davies) has travelled from north east of London to see his secret cougar, Anne, and share with her gossip of their old work friends.

Three very different tales, one intense, one light-hearted and the last, plain deep affection are an impressive collection for an enjoyable evening’s entertainment. The characters are well written and skilfully interpreted – from deep love to pure lust.

Director Susan Lynch can always be relied upon to give the audience quality and value for money. This is the type of play that can be watched and enjoyed on a basic level, or by reading between the lines, a much richer story can be discovered.

It was well worth leaving the warmth of home, on the foul night I saw it.

Sadly, Nora recently died aged 71, of acute myeloid leukaemia.

This series of brief monologues is being presented by the Melville Theatre Company, at the Melville Theatre on the corner of Stock Highway and Canning Highway, Melville. This production can be seen at 8.00 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings until 19^th September. There is one matinee at 2.00 pm on Sunday 13^th September.

The attractive set, comprised four, open, wardrobe units, with colourful hatboxes on a shelf above. The garments hanging on the racks were in groups of mauve, red, green and burgundy (décor by Barbara Lovell, Kit Leake). At the side of the stage apron, was an office set – thanks to Peter Bloor, Ross Bertinshaw, Susan Lynch, Jacob, Lars and Vanessa Jensen.

The lighting and sound (Lars Jensen) were well designed and operated, with some clever touches to create the correct mood. At one point the luminescence even matched the script dialogue – electric blue.

       The narrator, Gingy (Joy Northover) sits at the side of the stage with an easel of beautiful artistically drawn fashion cards (superb, but no credit in programme) that remind her of her lifetime of outfits. Some getups bring warm memories, whilst others make her cringe. The garments recall three marriages, along with various tragedies. Her lifespan of clothes begins with a Brownies uniform and extends through many eras of her life.

     With four women (Cassandra Gorman, Petrina Harley, Sue Lynch and Kayti Murphy) dressed in black, playing numerous characters, we hear of parents’ inability to choose trendy clothes – preferring ‘sensible’, the first bra, to the little black number for the school ball.

     Then there are the magical materials of the day, healthy woollen outfits knitted by Grandma, sugared cotton dresses through to Spandex. Then there are those beautiful leather boots, and the matching accessories.

      We learn how many lovers lost to the wrong choice of clothing.

Vanessa Jensen is one of Perth’s most respected directors, so not surprisingly the direction of this show was slick and beautifully paced. When friends are relating an event, there is always one who can really keep you open-eyed and anticipating the next part of the story; Vanessa has her whole cast doing this. The actors’ faces and bodies illuminated their deepest inner thoughts. In short, two or 3-minute episodes for dozens of topics are examined in this lifetime capsule of clothing; most episodes have the audience laughing aloud.

At first glances, this looks like a ‘chick play’, and certainly, the ladies in the audience in their own daily lives, will have experienced most of the observations. However, the men were laughing just as much, as they saw their partners portrayed on the stage.

The style of this show reminded me of ‘The Vagina Monologues’, but on a much lighter level.

When the whole audience leaves the theatre with a broad smile, then you know the show is a hit.

Great fun, from a strong cast working perfectly as a team.