Just good friends: Matthew Whittet and Bridie McKim. Photo: Brett Boardman
‘It doesn’t mean anything, it’s just fun!’ declares nine-year-old (‘almost 10’) Thomas Klopper at the end of this feel-good little tale that Belvoir has revived after its debut 16 years ago. Of course, it’s more than ‘just fun’ as Thomas has to confront things that are wrong in his world – dominated by a bullying and Bible-bashing father – and find courage when he is afraid. And so his story unfolds, complete with plagues of frogs and magical kisses – and occasional visits from a very laidback Jesus person.
Kim Carpenter, artistic director of the Theatre of Image for 20 years (until 2019), was the driver behind the original co-production with Belvoir and his delightful artwork adorns the set design for this revival. Carpenter, on the lookout for material to suit intergenerational audiences came across Guus Kuijer’s novel The Book of Everything, loved it, and asked children’s writer Richard Tulloch to adapt it for the Belvoir stage. Then, as now, Neil Armfield directed.
Channelling his own inner child with great effect, Matthew Whittet is a charming Thomas, who sees things other people don’t and writes them all down in his Book of Everything. And he notes his dreams, too: ‘When I grow up, I want to be happy.’
But for Thomas’s father (John Gaden), the only book to be read is the Bible. Everything else is sacrilegious. And the whole family – Thomas, his Mamma (Claire Jones) and his sister Margot (Rebecca Massey) – kowtows to Mr Klopper. Any dissension is seen as insubordination and must be punished (with a wooden spoon). But when his father hits Thomas’s beloved Mamma, things go too far.
Enter the ‘witch’, the cheery neighbour Mrs van Amersfoort (Julie Forsyth), who hears all through the shared paper-thin walls and has a few tricks up her black sleeve. And then there’s the marvellously forceful, trouser-wearing Auntie Pie (Pamela Rabe), married to Abel’s brother, who isn’t going to take any flack from anyone. And the somewhat alternative Jesus (courtesy of John Leary), who visits Thomas from time to time (and who has his own take on paternal bullying – he did not want to be crucified, thanks very much.)
Even better, from Thomas’s point of view is meeting Eliza (Bridie McKim), a beautiful girl with whom he falls instantly in love.
Mysterious things start to happen: fish die, frogs plague – and Eliza gives Thomas a kiss. Margot starts to rebel, Mr Klopper’s behaviour is called into question – it’s good against evil… what will Thomas do?
Belvoir stalwarts will recognise most of the cast, and the likes of Gaden, Whittet, Massey, Rabe and Forsyth do not disappoint. New to this production, McKim is an enchanting Eliza, as childlike in her role as Whittet is in his.
Credit, too, to musician Jack Ward, nearly off stage, who plays piano and cello, and interacts sounds-wise to amusing effect with our hero Thomas.
To quote Carpenter, the ‘show is full of love – a panacea in our current confused world’. It’s also a timely reminder in this current confused world that violence against women must be stopped, and anything that reinforces that message can only be good. But mainly it’s a delightful, feel-good show for older children and adults of all ages.
At Belvoir Upstairs, until 20 September; https://belvoir.com.au/productions/the-book-of-everything-3/
Tickets: $43-$98
