Troy Harrison as Jackie and Zoe Trilsbach as Veronica Photo: Michael Randall
This intense drama is worth catching, as much for the strength of the Stephen Adly Guirgis script as for the capable performances if its five cast members.
Under the direction of Adam Cook, all the actors shine in their pivotal scenes.
Troy Harrison is solid throughout as Jackie, fresh out of prison after a two-year stint and now confronted with the suspicion that his girlfriend Veronica has cheated on him. The besotted boyfriend quickly turns nasty and potentially violent. Harrison manages the transition, and the character’s final evolution, in an emotionally convincing performance.
Zoe Trilsbach is both provocative and vulnerable as the heavy-drinking foul-mouthed Veronica and John Atkinson is suitably oily as the amoral and self-satisfied Ralph D.
The supporting cast members all hold their own: Megan O’Connell (Victoria) is superb in her central scene in which she gives the game away, and Nigel Turner-Carroll has his comic moments as Cousin Julio (aka Van Damm).
Zoe Trilsbach as Veronica Photo: Michael Randall
The intimate TAP Gallery is a particularly suitable venue for this Workhorse Theatre Co production of the Broadway hit as every emotional nuance is enhanced and very close up and personal.
The result is that the strong performances allow the script to be the star of this show – plenty of profanity but also plenty of sharp, witty humour.
The Motherf**ker With the Hat is at TAP Gallery Theatre, 278 Palmer St, Darlinghurst, until Sunday, May 5. Wednesday tickets are two-for-one. More information at www.workhorsetheatreco.com
