Sometimes too many spices can weaken the dish. Doug Holcombe, a new play by underrated and under performed Melbourne writer Bill Marshall, is so filled with brilliant ideas, subplots, character traits and themes, that it almost never seems to entirely make up its mind as to which story it is telling. Performing only for a week (to coincide with Mental Health Week), Doug touches vaguely on the subject of its host week in that it focuses on the schizophrenic son of the title character, but Marshall’s impulses seem to be directed elsewhere.
This doesn’t compromise the production. On the whole, it is a nice balance of skill, talent and the all-important passion that gives independent/fringe theatre its lifeblood. Combining solid direction and performances as well as Marshall’s fine writing, the play is sometimes hilarious and poignant at all the right moments.
The eponymous Doug is a dedicated communist and environmentalist who has been living with his son George who, thanks to both his condition and drug dependency, is confined mostly to the couch smoking bongs like it’s 1969. George is haunted by ghostly visits from his ex-girlfriend Lucia, whose stability and maturity level makes one question what she saw in child-like George in the first place. Doug, on the other hand, has never lost his passion for politics or life, but he is still hopeless when it comes to romance, leaving him vulnerable to the misdeeds of Rhonda, a cunning new employee at the senior citizens’ club he frequents.
It is the budding/dying relationship between Rhonda and Doug to which I think the play wants to go, but instead the script feels like it’s forced to cast a spotlight on George and his inability to exist in the world beyond the couch. Marshall’s great strength is his ability to produce fascinating and eccentric characters. Each one is given weight and is written with an honesty that’s almost uncomfortable. This gives the actors much material to chew on, with the talented Tom Heath bringing nuance to George and the excellent Katrina Mathers bringing so much presence she haunts the space after she leaves. Other cast members Lee McClenaghan and Graham Murray are also notable, with Murray bringing dignity to the fiery Doug, a man who has never lost his ideals even in changing times.
In true fringe style, there is no set and only minimal props, focusing only on the essentials – actor and script (which could be trimmed back). Kieran Carroll keeps these to elements flowing nicely, with his directing seeming unobtrusive, allowing most of the scenes to breathe.
All in all, it is a good production with the kind of fascinating characters that can charm and disarm in equal measure. Although Marshall’s big brain is his greatest weakness as well as his greatest strength, it doesn’t detract from his ability to challenge or entertain the audience. I just wish he had stuck to one idea.
Rating 3 out of 5 stars.
Doug Holcombe
Written by Bill Marshall
Directed by Kieran Carroll
With Graham Murray, Tom Heath, Katrina Mathers, Lee McClenaghan
Presented by Type Faster Productions in association with 20th Century Fish
7-12 October
The Owl and the Pussycat Theatre
Bookings: 9421 3020 | www.owlandcat.com.au
