Witness "The Masters"

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Mind your own business, unless it is The Business.  This is the collective genius and theatre company of Glynis Angell, Penny Baron, Clare Bartholomew and Kate Kantor. Formed in 1997 they have sprung from a fun gathering to professional performances both at home and abroad. Starting this week they have yet another adventure to share through their warm, friendly and quirky male characters Paul, Barry, Ray and Pierre. 

This time they are Australia’s finest pole vaulter, sprinter, archer and discus thrower. Through the direction of Merophie Carr they delivery a chaotic comedic  countdown of unfortunate events prior to catching a flight to the World Masters in Budapest. As the set lights up into action, the audience is transported to a hospital emergency room. The non-verbal clowning starts off slow, as if it were a tease to the audience of what is yet to come. If it were not for the intentional clever interjection of whimsical sound effects to break the silence, capture your attention and provide a springboard for action, the first fifteen minutes would be frankly quite dry.

However, The Masters does not leave you pondering or doubting their entertainment value much longer. Through well-orchestrated slapstick, physical comedy, exaggeration and innovative use of props we slowly discover the habits and personalities of the athletes. Like us, they are flawed, only human, extremely likeable. As you are drawn into their personal journeys you sympathize with their delays and share their dilemma. Will they ever reach the airport? However, this deep connection is quickly severed as the innocent, quiet and tame scene snowballs into a diabolical loud messy pivotal turn of events. The Masters are here to succeed, entertain and leave you laughing. No room for somber moments.

What opened with an audio track of what may be just another sporting event ends in triumph of the most unexpected kind. They conquer tension, medical emergencies and sport the Australian way. So sit back and chill mate. Let “The Masters” do their thing. 

                                                
The Masters is on at La Mama Courthouse February 13 – 24
Tue – Sat 8pm | Sun 5pm