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Bugger Me Dead Bowling For Adelaide Theatre Group Adelaide Bowling Club Season closed 'Bugger Me Dead's premise is a relatively simple one, but on closer inspection the perpetual domino effect of the interpersonal relationships depicted here delve much deeper. Set in the 'seventies, George (played by Alan Holy) has just retired from the same government department job he's held for 39 years, and despite feeling satisfied that he's done the best for his wife, Roma (Helen Darlington), over the years, his world is about to turn horribly wrong. Affected by the constant ridicule of his father for failing to become a pilot during WWI, George assumes the heroic identity of Roma's dead brother Bob by wearing his war medals and telling his battle tales each year at an annual air show. Tired and appalled by George's delusive state of mind and alcoholism, Roma finally decides to leave and join their alternative lifestyle daughter, Gabrielle (Paula di Angelis) up north and regain a few of her own lost dreams. It's during Roma's absence that George engages the services of a prostitute, Krystal (Natalie Playford) confide in, particularly about the terminal results of a medical examination that he's kept from his wife. The cleverest aspect of this story, written by local scriptwriter Peter Swindon, is how each of the character's emotions and needs are constantly shifted about as if they're on a checker board, and while there may not be any real sudden twists, desperate turns are revealed. Contributing to the play's overall strength is the continual and relevant references made to the era depicted. Strongly touching on issues that range from the woman's place in the workforce, immigration, the ethics of war and the inherent disappointment passed down from George's father to med-school dropout, Gabrielle, 'Bugger Me Dead serves well as a snapshot for the prosperous values and sometimes ignorant views held at that time. Superbly acted out by a cast who genuinely felt their roles and musically backed with some original songs by Rob Scott on acoustic guitar, this play certainly deserves to do well with future showings. |
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