Milo's Wake at the Dog's Bollix

Four thespians go into a bar ... it sounds like the start of an Irish pub joke but it is a fair, although not very enlightening, description of Auckland's newest theatre production.

There is no need for suspension of disbelief when you are watching Milo's Wake at the Dog's Bollix. The characters walk in and out the front door of the pub around the audience. You are a guest at a wake so they offer you drink and food. The Irish trio, the Wren Buoys Band, entertain with drums and pipes, and when Milo talks about the big Kea camper van parked outside, there it is on the curb.

It's refreshing to be right in the action rather than separated by the normal theatre set-up. It helps bring this kitchen sink drama alive by reinforcing the feeling that you have been unwittingly caught up in a family stoush and are hearing conversations you shouldn't.

Milo's Wake was written four years ago by Australian husband and wife team Mike and Margery Forde. It tells the story of Milo O'Connor and his decision to hold a wake before he dies so he can hear all the nice things people have to say about him. But with plenty of skeletons in the family closet he is sorely disappointed.

In the wrong hands the in-the-round staging of Milo's Wake could have been excruciating, like one of those dreadful dinner theatre shows where supercilious actors embarrass and insult the paying guests while impersonating characters from much-loved television shows.

Instead it's a rollicking production that wears its heart on its sleeve. Audience members are treated with good humour and respect and it's the actors who have nowhere to hide.

Actor-director Peter Feeney is charismatic as Milo, holding the audience's attention from the moment he gets out of his coffin. He is lovable and contemptible at the same time but all the way we are rooting for his redemption.

He is well-supported by Susan Brady, who plays his wife Maura with just the right amount of Catholic conservatism and passion. She also has a lovely clear singing voice.

Ashley Hawkes is well cast as Milo and Maura's son Ned and his sensitive portrayal of a youth finding the strength to become a man caused many a tear. Rounding out the cast is Hannah Marshall in her first professional role and her wide-eyed idealism is perfect for girlfriend Brooke.

Peter Feeney wants his new company, Feeney McSweeney, to make theatre more accessible and less of "a middle-class entertainment". The old timers enjoying a half-time ciggie outside were won over and keen to make sure that us young lassies were "getting it all". A sure sign that Feeney is on his way. So, Slainte, and let's have another jar.

Review

*What: Milo's Wake
*Where: The Dog's Bollix Bar
*Reviewer: Shannon Huse