The performances are quite entertaining, with Chloe Towan and Kim Devitt finding exciting chemistry and constantly keeping each other’s character on their toes. Devitt has plenty of fun as the carefree and outrageous Ollie with Towan playing a complementary contrast to Ollie as the straight and narrow George. The little bit of improv that occurs, is a fitting indicator of the confidence the two have with their characters and with each other.
Where the production comes unstuck is with Towan’s script which is missing dramatic tension, and it’s mainly because these two adults are still clinging to things that happened when they were in school. A lot of what the two friends share doesn’t include the other person and you can’t help but wonder if The Last Song would work better if it were between George and her fiancé or her mother where the stakes are higher.
While it’s explained, you really can’t comprehend why these two people would agree to spend their last few hours on Earth together when it’s been so many years since they have seen or spoken to each other. The ending however is a satisfying surprise and seeing that as a play could be rather interesting.
Director Kinloch Anstiss does a good job with pacing the show and having the characters moving with purpose when they are in the one location for the entire hour, but there is an awkward physical fight scene that needs to be reworked as it’s somewhat awkward and unnatural to watch.
It may not be the ultimate last play, but The Last Song is a great effort from emerging theatre company, Scary Goats Theatre. It’s a nice reminder to not take our life for granted, or the people around us, because who knows when our time will be up.
SHOW DETAILS
Venue: The Motley Bauhaus, 118 Elgin St, Carlton
Season: until 20 October | 7:30pm
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $28 Full | $24 Conc
Bookings: Melbourne Fringe Festival
Image credit: 3 Fates Media
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