The White Mouse: Dame Nancy Wake… WW2 Australian Resistance Agent In Nazi-Occupied France ~ Adelaide Fringe 2023 Review

[Theatre and Physical Theatre/Historical ~ SA] Krystoff at the Goodwood Theatre, Sat 18 Feb. The story of Dame Nancy Wake, The White Mouse, an Australian resistance agent in Nazi occupied France during WW2 is one that was sadly neglected for decades, as was she, at least as far as Australia goes. Nancy, who had married and lost her French husband, moved back to Australia after the war, but left again as her incredible story evidently counted for nothing. It had earlier been a struggle for her to be recognised and accepted by many among the French resistance – at least until they’d seen her in action. The White Mouse has played since 2020’s Adelaide Fringe and it has grown and developed along the way, playwright (& director) Peter Maddern refining and strengthening the show. And while it may indeed be refined more in the future it is a story that Australians should know and celebrate – a powerful story of courage, daring and a determined woman. The play does have its dramatic moments and death is ever lurking. But there is plenty of amusement and some great comedy to provide the light that focuses the darkness even more. Emily-Jo Davidson does a fabulous job as Nancy, the star of the show. Her acting and delivery are spot on, she’s not simply delivering lines, she’s living them on the stage – in the very moment! The support cast is solid; Stephen Schofield and Charles Herkes playing the other four roles on the stage. There are many smaller acts within The White Mouse but with quick stage changeovers the audience never loses interest. Lighting and effects are well done and there is a myriad of sound effects, hushed voices, far away guns and battles and the like that always add and never detract from the performance. It’s difficult for us to imagine just how the world was during this time, there is a flashback to Nancy’s engagement scene, 1930s Paris, dancing, parties, friends and lovers – a good life and the freedom that Nancy fell in love with, then back to the bitter and twisted world of the war and of the resistance in the war, fighting the Nazis, fighting the collaborators and having no mercy, having witnessed exactly what the Nazis were doing. Just one quibble, Den Den (the radio operator who never takes the stage) is the butt of many of the jokes and most of them work quite well, but the final jibe about the fate of the young German soldier being shot is perhaps just a little too much in this ‘enlightened’ age. 5 stars Clayton Werner The White Mouse continues at Krystoff at Goodwood Theatre, at various times, until Sun 26 Feb. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #TheClothesline #ADLFringe