The Pash by Rita Papillo                                            Reviewed by That Guy in the Foyer, John Doherty

Wed 2 Mar - Sat 5 Mar: 9pm

The Bakehouse Main Stage

It is so refreshing to go to the theatre to a locally written and produced show that is candid and unselfconscious, its writing crisp, incisively funny and conveying a wonderful celebration of life experience. Rita Papillo’s The Pash is, quite simply, superb! With accomplished direction from Nikki Allen, evocative, inventive design by Skye McVicar, and subtle well-crafted lighting by Michael Allen, this work is a must see! Many of you may have during its premier season last year. Go again! Not coincidentally set in the hubbub of Fringe season, The Pash finds a Woman in “middle life” at a loose end one Saturday evening, an evening she has decided will be a quiet night in. Beset by the startling sound of silence, she experiences a nagging doubt that she is attractive any more, a crisis of invisibility- a crisis of “that age.” Having exhausted all she can do at home with two cans of bourbon and coke in hand, she spontaneously heads out to a friend’s café, one where live music is played. Arriving shortly before closing time, she enjoys the company of the café proprietor and friends- it’s the Fringe after all, so an after-hours party is a given. After numerous drinks and many a Fringe time socio-political- cultural conversation, the woman unexpectedly finds mutual attraction with a man, a guitarist who plays for those gathered. One thing leads to another and, ultimately, leads to The Pash. Papillo’s writing is so inventive it’s difficult to pin down as a style. Courageous, funny, honest, moving, playful and crisp, an essentially solo show is supported by the devices of a narrator ( Lucy Slattery) who seems to emanate from the Woman ( Katie O’Rielly), as  and an ever present minstrel (Ria Loof). I loved this wonderful theatrical device because it worked so effectively, I simply can’t imagine the play without it! And O’Rielly, Slattery and Loof are such a tight ensemble, they are a joy to watch! In the words of the inimitable Molly Meldrum, “Do yourselves a favour!” Get along to see The Pash. But be quick. The season is as fleeting as the best kiss you’ve experienced in your life!