Sydney review - Summer of the Seventeenth Doll: polished and very entertaining.

By Paul Kiely

Photo by Fran Moore

Summer of the Seventeenth Doll

By Ray Lawler

Directed by John Grinston

A Genesian Theatre Production by arrangement with the licensor, Ray Lawler c/- Fran Moore

Genesian Theatre

420 Kent Street

Sydney

Season: 16 July – 20 August 2022. Bookings: https://genesiantheatre.com.au duration: 3 hours including interval

There is much to like about the latest production of the Genesian Theatre: Summer of the Seventeenth Doll. Trumpeted as the most significant play in Australian theatre history, it continues to appear in the high school reading lists as a study in language, identity and culture.

Written by Ray Lawler, the play is a snapshot of 1950’s mores and explores mateship, the role of women, pride and despair.

All the action takes place in the living room of Olive Leach’s home in Melbourne. She shares the house with her straight talking mother Emma. For the past sixteen years, Olive looks forward to the annual visit from her boyfriend Roo and his mate Barney during the layoff season from their jobs as canecutters in Queensland. Together with Olive’s friend Nancy, the foursome live it up for five months over summer before the cycle starts again.

However, the summer of the seventeenth visit is very different. Firstly, Nancy is no longer around. She has now married, hence Barney is dateless. So, Olive has asked her wary, widowed friend Pearl to join them on their outings. And with lines like “whenever I’ve met a nice-looking woman, I’ve always felt like an excited eel in a fish basket”, we can understand how Barney considers himself the quintessential ‘ladies-man’.

Secondly, Roo has had a disappointing season, both financially and physically. His back problems have limited his production and he is now challenged by a young upstart Johnnie Dowd as top cocky. Thirdly, Roo is cranky with Barney because of his apparent lack of support in the cane fields. And fourthly, the young girl from next door Bubba, has blossomed into womanhood, creating its own new set of issues.

The one constant of their annual visits has been Roo’s gift to Olive of a doll. Now, even that has become a matter of discontent as Roo begins to unsettle the status quo.

The way Lawler brings his characters to a final crescendo is applaudable and surprising. Each Act builds upon the one before. Tensions are revealed carefully until understandings are replaced with malice and distrust. It’s a joy to watch!

Using an authentic set by Tom Fahy, Director John Grinston takes advantage of the three entry points (kitchen, garden and staircase) to ensure that no one character is in the same spot for too long. Movement is essential for audience attention in this long (160 minutes) yet gripping drama. And there is plenty of room for the well-choreographed fight scene.

Genesian productions always pay attention to detail and allow their creative team to shine. ‘Seventeenth Doll’ is no different. With wonderful era-inspired costumes (Susan Carveth), lighting (Mehran Martezaei) and sound (Michael Schell).

Casting could not have been done better. Jodine Muir as Olive was able to demonstrate her character’s nature perfectly. Her meltdown scene over Roo’s proposition showed a woman devastated by changes she cannot control. Martin Grelis relished the role of Roo. Headstrong and pigheaded, he ably personified the Aussie male image of being firm but fair.

Choosing Harley Connor to play Barney worked so well. His ‘stage-face’ and voice embodied the larrikin knock-about womaniser and drunk that the Barney character needed.

Whenever Liz Grindley as Emma entered the stage, everyone (including the audience) gave their full attention. Her stern but astute nature is evident when she describes Roo as “a packet of trouble, but he’s honest”.

Grace Swadling playing the widowed mother Pearl ably showed the two sides to this interesting character. Initially prim and proper, she undercuts the foursome by constantly needling Olive.

Playing the innocent ‘girl next door’ Bubba is Heather Tleige. She is able to provide the contrast necessary to highlight the difficulties of her adult co-characters.

Hamish McDonald as Johnnie Dowd is commanding during his brief appearances. Awkward with city life, he makes the observation that “Sheila’s down south are a bit on the la-de-da side”.

Summer of the Seventeenth Doll is essential drama for Australian theatre goers. The Genesian production is polished and very entertaining.