Hunters Hill Theatres: Sylvia - Review by Astra Milne

It's not an uncommon story: a middle-aged man on the brink of an existential crisis, finding solace in a younger female, and thus damaging his marriage. However, A.R. Gurney’s Sylvia takes on an unique, and particularly humorous approach to exploring these common story themes. And while written in 1995, director Moja Band manages to keep the piece feeling modern and fresh.

After Greg, played by Justin Corcoran, becomes obsessed with a cute lost dog, Sylvia, a slew of marital problems commence. Kate, his wife, is determined to get rid of the new pet, while Greg and Sylvia are committed. The dynamics between this trio are nothing short of hilarious. Margareta Moir, who plays the title character Sylvia, brings a whole lot of charm and sass to the small poodle, while also performing with a believable sense of canine. Moja Band and Margareta Moir should be highly praised for their movement work, as it skillfully trod a fine line between being overly animalistic, and completely human. 

Further Justin Corcoran, who played Greg, captured an amusingly comic sense of passion for Sylvia. With big hand gestures, larger than life expressions, and a sense of child-like, or maybe childish, wonder. This colourful take on Greg was well contrasted to Brooke Davidson's performance of Kate. Who was the much more realistic, stern, and down to earth wife. While Kate was often an uncompromising and particularly "unfun" member of the new throuple, Brooke Davidson did well to add some much needed warmth to Kate's demeanour. Building her to be an ultimately sympathetic and relatable character.

Accenting the humour of these three characters was Richard Littlehales, who played a fellow dog walker, Kate’s friend, and a therapist. Richard Littlehales had a unique sense of zest that promptly electrifed each scene he was in. It's always fun when an actor is clearly enjoying themself on stage, and this was clear throughout his performances, especially in Kate’s friend role. He took the classic characture of a pompous, upper class, older woman and went full force, producing a lot of laughs along the way.

Framing these performances was Wayne Chee’s set of a stuffy New York apartment. The tall grey walls, blanked out picture frames, and particularly unhomey decor did well to capture the married couples' internal world. The props also acted to distinguish the scenes, creating a park, city street, and an especially effective therapist's office.

Moja Bands directorial vision was clear, and was particularly strong in the blocking. The constant movement between all characters kept a potentially stagnant script rhythmic and exciting. Moja Band managed to neatly bring all components of the production together, creating a satisfyingly polished, cohesive and amusing piece.

If you are a lover of dogs, or a lover of unique takes on classic story archetypes, then you will more than enjoy Hunters Hill Theatres’ Sylvia.