Gehle has been faced with the task of making a grim topic entertaining. This theatre-in-education piece was devised for upper school students, to help them access and then tackle the social issues that arise from the new social media technology. Communication can be persuasive, pervasive, challenging to our daily standards and concepts, even leading to excommunication from friends – this provocative and ironic play assists youngsters see through the tempting gloss, dependence and scams, and become aware of the ‘real world’ out there.

This 75-minute play can be seen at The Studio Theatre, Subiaco Arts Centre, 180 Hamersley Road, Subiaco nightly at 7.30 until Saturday 28^th March.

The set comprises of various sized, large white cubes moved around to create gathering places. Set by Jamie Davies.

       It is the Hamersly High School yard. In one corner Dez (Danen Engelenberg) is busy studying his iPhone, he talking to his latest girlfriend Lydia (Ashana Murphy. She has just sent him a ‘memorable’ photo; now they are arranging a wild party for the weekend. In another corner stand two naïve and excitable girls, Dez’s kid sister, Emily (Emma Harvey) and her best friend Sarah (Angela Mahlatjie). They are planning how to get an invitation to Lydia’s party.

     Tony (Jordan Holloway) is quietly reading his text messages, when one of his classmates (Quaid Kirchner) steals his phone for a joke, before typing in some unsavoury comments and then forwarding the message to the ‘world’. Further comments being added by Damian (Adam Droppert).

     Gavin (Justin Gray) searches and hacks away in an attempt to increase his collection of underage photos. Harry (Nicholas Allen) cheers up Emily and Sarah by secretly, and individually, offering to take them to the party – at a price.

     Will this fantastic party bring the happiness and fun that the friends expect?

I apologise for perhaps not linking the correct character name with the actor concerned, but the otherwise most informative programme omitted the characters’ names.

There were some amazing performances by these young actors. Emma and Angela were a total delight with their well-observed, pubescent characters. Every actor captured their persona perfectly. The message was slightly obvious, but it also made extremely clear the dangers of peer pressure and a desire to be loved.

Desne Smallberger’s lighting was well thought out, with selective lighting of areas and individuals. Tim Newhouse has created a subtle, most effective, slow (almost ad libitum) soundscape of music; at times the music was just the occasional note.

A most entertaining play that was fun, beautifully performed and directed. There are a few stars of the future in this show, so try and catch it before it tours the schools.

Class Act Theatre, WA’s leading company in presenting unusual and quality local works, are proudly presenting the premiere of this theatre adaptation at the Studio Theatre, Subiaco Arts Centre, 180 Hamersley Road, Subiaco. The 2-hour play commences nightly at 7.30 pm until 31^st May, when the run moves to the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre from the 4^th – 7^th June. It was in Mandurah that Louise won a number of prizes in the Mandurah / Murray Literary Competitions for her poetry, plays and prose.

The stage is surrounded by black drapes. There are numerous white picture frames at different levels around the periphery. There is a dining table and four chairs centre stage.

        A typical Australian family are just about to have their evening meal. The somewhat neurotic, domineering mother (Angelique Malcolm – Pascoe) is panicking over a simple ‘what to wear’ decision. Her daughters, Lizzie (Maja Liwszyc) and her younger sister (Keren Schlink) who is munching on a muesli bar, are seated at the table playing with their iPhones. They are waiting for their indifferent father (Maitland Schnaars), who seems to enjoy a little too much drink, to return from another ‘hard’ day at the office.

        We flash back six years, to when Lizzie was ten years old, see her happy carefree attitude and the wonderful relationship that she had with her family.

        Back to the present time, the father arrives home and the arguments start. The meal is served, but Lizzie does not show any interest in the dishes offered, and prefers to go out for a run. Lizzie fancies Ben (Nick Pages-Oliver), but he too has many personal problems and is depressed, and their feelings never really develop.

        Will Lizzie and Ben win their psychological and social battles? Indeed, will their parents win their battles too?

The topic of this play is very serious, but it has been delivered in a most acceptable way. It does not feel like a lecture or a medical presentation. The dialogue is filled with humour and is scripted skilfully to fit today’s teenage style of conversation. The symbolism of the ‘frames’ is meant to include not only the windows and doorframes, but is carried through to represent mirrors and iPads. The audience becomes aware of Lizzie’s changing body frame, and several more teenage problems are hinted at. The actors captured their characters well and skilfully demonstrated the family problems.

The lighting design, with one or two clever effects, was designed by Aaron Stirk.

The director, Helen Doig, and actor, Angelique Malcolm, were recognised in last year’s Actors’ Equity Awards list for their work in the profession.

This a play that parents and their teenagers should see. Well presented, with a genuine air of lives that sadly, can be seen too often in houses in Australia.

Playing in the Studio Theatre, at the Subiaco Arts Centre, 180 Hamersley Road in Subiaco, the delightful 50-minute performances are at 7.30 each evening until Saturday, 12^th April.

The stage is at floor level and is surrounded by black drapes. The back wall has a symbolic water effect created by ceiling to floor, fluttering blue and green paper streamers.

      We join shy Grace (Jacinta Larcombe), a withdrawn teenager who just loves water, in her back garden wearing only brief underwear and enjoying the lawn sprinkler playing on her body. When her strict, single-parent mother, Nina (Georgia King) comes out of the house, she is horrified at Grace flaunting her body for the neighbours to see.

     Grace is sent to her room, where she worships at her private ‘shrine’ before considering what to wear for her School Ball. Nina recalls her Ball, offering her nervous, totally manipulated daughter yet more advice.

     Next day, whilst walking along the beach, Grace meets handsome James (Jack Walker) could this mean freedom from her mother and a new beginning?

Director, Ian Sinclair first brought this show to the Blue Room in Northbridge about eight months ago, where it performed to packed houses. The script has been refined slightly and is even better now.

Jacinta Larcombe captures the full depth of the mentally tortured daughter. With subtle face movements, the loneliness and sadness hidden within become obvious. For this part, Jacinta was recently awarded the highly prestigious ‘Geoff Gibbs’ Best Newcomer Award’ – at the equivalent of WA’s Oscars night. Georgia King was also nominated for the ‘Best Supporting Female’ award for her part in another play. Sinclair employs all the actresses’ acting skills in bringing to life this delicate and moving story.

This show is for the 12+ age group. There is no nudity, but some scenes are a little suggestive.

A most enjoyable play, very well presented.