Linda Cropper, Johnny Nasser, Zindzi Okenyo, Guy Simon and John Bell in Grand Horizons. Photo: Prudence Upton
American playwright Bess Wohl’s play has the audience giggling before anyone on stage has said anything. Minutes pass as Bill and Nancy, who we will soon learn have been married for 50 years, perform a wordless pas de deux as they lay the table, then serve and eat dinner in silence. The set is various shades of beige, the lack of communication is deafening. Finally Nancy shatters the depressing equilibrium, with: ‘I want a divorce.’ To which Bill replies, ‘All right.’ Eruption of laughter from audience.
So far, so amicable. But what about the kids? Both adult sons are leading their own lives but are equally outraged at this show of independence from their parents who, in their twilight years, really ought to play by the rules until they quietly fall off the perch.
It is a delight to have two actors of the calibre of John Bell and Linda Cropper leading this talented cast of seven, in a sparkling satire that lacerates notions of a ‘good marriage’ and pulls down notions of cosy retirements in custom-designed accommodation for old people. Jess Arthur’s assured direction speeds Grand Horizons along, there is never a dull moment, but she draws out a couple of surprisingly moving ones as the action unfolds.
Lawyer Ben (Johnny Nasser) with wife Bess (Zindzi Okenyo), who is days away from producing their first child, find their own marriage under scrutiny as they take in Nancy and Bill’s decision to split. Younger son Brian (Guy Simon) is a gay schoolteacher, who takes his responsibilities as a drama coach to ‘his children’ very seriously. (There’s a cute running joke here, as clues emerge about the play he is staging.) The brothers are still acting out sibling rivalry; Bess, about to be a mother, is all about communication in her professional life. Is Ben listening?
Towards the end of Act 1, after curmudgeonly Bill has argued over possession of such items as the toaster, and many funny one-liners have been deftly delivered, everything seems resolved. But Wohl has given us a cracker of curtain closer here, and we’re set up for more revelations in Act 2.
Nancy’s disclosures about intimacy, and the lack of it, shock Brian who is comically self-obsessed. Outside the family circle, and adding to our perceptions of the main players, there is Tommy – a potential love interest for Brian, and a great cameo appearance from James Majoos; and Bill’s secret love interest, the colourful and slightly ditzy Carla (a glorious performance from Vanessa Dowling).
The ending has its own little surprises, too. Grand Horizons is a comic delight. Recommended (except perhaps for couples anticipating marriage guidance. On the other hand, perhaps this play would negate the need.)
Until 3 JulyTickets: $49 (under 30s) to $99 plus booking fees
sydneytheatre.com.au
