Tender trap
The world premiere of a new Australian play is always reason for rejoicing. What bad luck then, or perhaps bad planning, that Tender by Nicki Bloom is opening the same night as Dame Edna in Back with a Vengeance.
It could be argued (successfully) that the GigaStar is not in quite the same league as Belvoir’s B Sharp series and will undoubtedly pull a different audience. But ... there is nothing like having the oxygen ripped from your lungs and the publicity rug from under your feet.
Tender’s credentials are impeccable: Geordie Brookman directs, the designer is Pip Runciman and the cast - Kate Box, Heather Mitchell (both pictured here), Pip Miller and Darren Weller - is top drawer.
Even though this is its premier production, the play has already won a couple of awards: the 2007 Inscription Chairman’s Award for Best Play and the 2006 Adrian Stephen Consett Memorial Award. More than that, it’s the playwright’s first play, so this is definitely an opportunity to do a bit of “oh yes, I remember her first play” and store it up for later.
It’s also an opportunity - all too rare - to see Heather Mitchell up close and personal and this is not to be sneezed at.
Tender, Downstairs Belvoir, May 17-June 3; ph: 9699 3444 or www.belvoir.com.au.
