Review: My Husband's Nuts a lively comedy well played

A scene from Theatre HB's My Husband's Nuts. Photo / Ken Morrison

What: My Husband's Nuts
Where: Theatre HB
When: March 18 to 27, 7.30pm Tickets at iTicket.co.nz
Reviewed by: Keith Russell

Looking at the title of the latest production from Theatre HB, it is clear this is a play on words which can mean only one thing, we are entering the genre of comedy and not just any comedy, a 'Kiwi as' comedy.

Written by Devon Williamson, who has established his reputation by writing light-hearted scripts, this lively comedy has been brought to life by director Stephanie Drew who has a clear vision of the energy and vitality this show requires.

Set somewhere in rural heartland New Zealand, the story unfolds through the eyes of a hardworking farmer who after taking a knock to the head begins to believe he is a character from a book he once read.

Playing the unstable farmer is Jonathan Jordan with a mixture of Kiwi stoicism and perfect comic timing. He is worth focusing on for his on-stage antics even when the story moves away from him.

His long-suffering muffin baking wife is played by Sarah Graham who has the difficult task of keeping the comedy grounded and this she did well, even when she was referred to as the 'Muffin Ma'am', a clever reference to the nursery rhyme The Muffin Man.

Who do you call when there is no doctor around? The local veterinarian of course, well played by Rachel Keith who controls the window we peep through and it was her acting skill that kept her scenes moving at the right pace.

If you have a problem always turn to the 'village idiot' for solutions and Jack Garvey as Terry gave the best performance of the night. Sharp focus with excellent energy provided us with a lovable character helped along by his interaction with Bridie Thompson as the returning daughter who gave us the "big smoke jokes". It was pleasing to see the youthful energy was not left somewhere in Christchurch.

With no curtain being used, the setting is the first thing we see and set designer Stephanie Drew has done well to construct a cosy farmhouse living room. Lighting operator Nakita Hildreth kept to her marks with sound under expert guidance of Gautum Paul and Sheree Osborne, with a nice touch to have Peter Berry sing the opening and closing music.

While this story might appear to have a simple structure, setting followed by resolution, it is the underlying themes that bring acting complexity along with having to resist the urge to laugh at patently absurd moments, after all it is us, the audience that has this easy job.

The director and cast have worked hard to stay within the boundaries of the playwright's vision and keep this comedy from turning into a stereotypical farce and for this they are to be congratulated.