REVIEW | Angela, Alphabetti Theatre

Reviews

9 Nov

Written by Stacy

Disclaimer: gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.

Meet Angela a 24-year-old volunteer Girl Guide leader who is dealing with a decidedly erratic moment in her life. Written by Charlotte Small, Angela began as a small response piece to Alphabetti's Sugar Baby by Alan Harris and has now expanded into a full-length piece.

Small's writing is a laugh - a - minute, that swings between the obvious to the darker sides of comedy. Threading between the witty one-liners are deeper pockets of human exploration that see Angela embark on a journey of self-reflection and discovery, with a few stops at despair and disillusionment. You can't help but root for Angela. She has the opposite effect of a Midas touch but means well with every effort she makes. However, there's no competition with the 11....nearly 12-year-old Girl Guide, Nina who is on a mission to gain popularity and accumulate every Girl Guide badge under the sun. That's some strong tenacity to overthrow, and one Angela wasn't prepared for. After all, she just wanted to be the best Girl Guide volunteer to help boost her chances of getting into veterinary school. But it seems the universe (and Nina) had other ideas....and the results are comedy gold.

Rebecca Glendenning-Laycock plays the titular character of Angela with an outstanding performance. Her comedy chops were note perfect with an ability to land a one-liner with style and pinpoint precision. She had the audience primed, in the palm of her hand and hanging onto each and every word. This performance was secured with the directional skills of Ruth Mary Johnson, who brought the piece to life with physicality, humour and heart. From Small's characterisation, Johnson's direction and Glendenning-Laycock's delivery, collectively you couldn't help but fall in love with Angela and root for her every step of the way.

Angela is a comedy triumph of the side-splitting proportions. A true joy from start to finish.

At Alphabetti Theatre until 25 November.