REVIEW: Comic look at dating game packs punch

AWKWARD: Sex-crazed Brian (Miles Eckford) makes a move on Fleur (Roxana Johnson), who is less than impressed.

It is well acknowledged that playwright Roger Hall is the master of exposing the quirks, foibles and ugly truths of middle-class New Zealand.

And it seems Wairarapa's amateur dramatists are the masters of bringing his beloved dramadies to life.

This week I caught Greytown Little Theatre's production of Hall's Take a Chance on Me, an hilarious and often poignant look at the pitfalls of finding love the second time around.

This was my first time seeing a play at Greytown Little Theatre, and I was not disappointed -- the intimate setting, commanding performances, clever lighting, and simple yet evocative original score combined to pack one hell of a punch.

In Take a Chance on Me, six strangers -- a highly-strung school teacher, prim corporate lawyer, affected army wife, mild-mannered pharmacist, out-of-work banker and sex-crazed plumber -- meet for dinner.

Each is either separated or widowed, and hopes to find a new relationship -- or, if all else fails, a "good time".

The characters discuss their unnerving experiences of singledom and getting back in the dating game -- awkward dates with friends of friends, clumsy advances, internet dating scams, strange personals ads and ineffectual dating coaches.

Along the way, they meet a host of new characters, all played by theatre heavyweights Yvonne Way and Colton Stuart, who either help or hinder them in their quest for love.

All terribly uncomfortable but endlessly amusing for us -- though I caught myself blinking back tears several times.

A script with such an emotional range requires a highly-skilled cast, and the actors were all exceptional.

A particular favourite was Roxana Johnson, who gave a thoroughly believable performance as fragile teacher Fleur.

Whether she was bursting into tears at the drop of a hat, fluffing her way through new dates or sharing her experiences of being jilted online, Johnson's frailty and sincerity had the crowd rooting for her.

Less sympathetic but still watchable was Victoria Ross, whose biting delivery as Eleanor, the lawyer with impossibly high standards, had the audience hooked.

Jo Crimp is always a joy to watch and her layered performance as army widow Lorraine, with flamboyant mannerisms and raw vulnerability, was perfect.

The male cast were similarly on point, with Ben Adams bringing both tenderness and barely concealed rage to the role of Tim the pharmacist; and Simon Dotrice as Dan the banker bringing the laughs as he navigates disastrous blind dates.

Rounding off the main six was Miles Eckford as the obnoxious Brian, who was deliciously crass while remaining real and relatable.

Finally, big props to Way and Stuart, who played 37 different characters between them.

Both are born character actors, and whether they were playing bratty kids, waiters, weepy divorce lawyers, Russian mail-order brides, "working girls" or busty line-dance teachers, they had the audience eating out of their hands.

Director John Gilberthorpe went for a sparse set with minimal props, and this was fleshed out with some masterful lighting from Kuranui College student AJ Southey.

Adding to the bittersweet atmosphere was the original soundtrack, composed by Melbourne imports Holly and Zac Winterwood, using melancholy guitar and strings to add extra punch to the tendermoments.

Despite a few rushed lines and a couple of less than culturally sensitive characterisations, Take a Chance on Me was a triumph. Definitely take a moment to see this one -- but leave the kids behind as there is plenty of R-rated humour.

Well done to John and the team!