An impressive trio of experienced local actors bring three old soldiers to life with heart and humour in Heroes, by French playwright Gerald Sibleyras, translated by Tom Stoppard.
A capacity audience at Mosgiel’s Fire Station Theatre were kept entranced by the antics of three crotchety veterans, resident in a retirement home, as they engage in verbal battles, grumble about their nun carers and other residents and plot their great escape.
Directed by Rosemary Manjunath, with production manager Lorraine Johnston, Heroes features Dunedin actors Steve Parker, Craig Storey and Campbell Thomson playing veterans Gustave, Henri and Phillipe respectively.
Parker huffs and puffs as the pompous, aristocratic Gustave to hilarious effect, while Storey brings subtle humour to the pragmatic Henri and Thomson is delightful as the indecisive Phillipe, whose every conversation is interrupted by fainting fits caused by shrapnel in his head.
Working together superbly, with the support of "The Dog" (a statue), the trio make the most of the play’s many humorous moments — both physical and verbal — while also bringing the poignant reality of the veterans’ lives to the fore.
In the midst of the fun, as they try to get it together to "escape" from the home and go on a trek up a nearby hill, the limitations of their age and the physical and mental damage they have suffered through war become apparent.
The staging of Heroes is simple and effective, with set and costume design by Manjunath, stage management by Matt Brennan and lighting and sound design by Brian Byas.
All in all, this production of Heroes is humorous, touching and thoroughly entertaining.
The play continues at the Fire Station Theatre until Sunday, May 17.
