WHEN THE RAIN STOPS FALLING - ADELAIDE THEATRE GUIDE REVIEW

by Simon Slade

Words are insufficient, you must see this show to understand how exceptional it is.

Well executed, genuinely moving, and with some very amusing moments as well, this is destined to be a modern classic.

The play takes place over eighty years. It moves back and forth in time, following the stories of some characters over time, and others at just one time. Characters from different times and different stories may enter a scene to provide a juxtaposition to the action taking place in the main scene. Dialogue from some scenes is repeated in others at different times and in different places. Some themes, like the fish, and the ideas of ritual cleansing, recur frequently. The stories of each character reveal sometimes unexpected connections to others.

All this sounds disjointed and confusing, but on stage something magical occurs. The proof is in the running time: two hours without an interval is a lot to expect of an audience – but they were spellbound.

The cast is excellent and it seems almost unfair to single out individuals. Nigel Pigot, in the dual roles of Gabriel York and Henry Law, conveys an emotional depth that is very impressive. Carmel Johnson, as Elizabeth Law aged 50, is astounding, as much for what she does not say, as what she does. Yalin Ozucelik is a marvellously understated Gabriel Law. There is a slight problem with projection when actors are upstage, but that is a feature of the Scott Theatre.

The design uses a few set pieces and video projection that creates rain, snow, and other effects. The music, composed and performed by Quentin Grant, is part underscore and part soundscape and works beautifully, aided by fine work from the sound technicians.

The script is masterful; at several points it seems to go too far but is then pulled back from the brink just enough to reduce some of the tension.

Director Chris Drummond, designer Hossein Valamanesh, and author Andrew Bovell, collaborated on this work for three years and the end result is a stunning, gut-wrenching, funny piece of theatre.

Once seen, it will never be forgotten.

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)