Visiting Mr Green ~ Galleon Theatre Group ~ Review

[THEATRE - SA] Visiting Mr Green - Galleon Theatre Group Domain Theatre, Marion Cultural Centre Fri 19 Oct Ross Gardiner is involved in a traffic incident that results in elderly Mr. Green taking a fall. For his part in the incident the authorities ordain that Ross is to do community service time visiting Mr. Green at home. Neither of them are very happy about it; neither of them want it, but they decide to try and tolerate each other and make the best of an awkward situation. The show is at its funniest in these earlier awkward scenes when both Ross and Mr Green are spatting with each other. Ross is a kind-hearted guy who genuinely wants to help make Mr Green’s life easier but Mr Green won't admit he needs any help, and resents Ross’ presence. They find neutral ground over food. Ross makes sure he brings kosher food and Mr Green doesn’t like wasting food even if he says he doesn’t need it. Mr Green is also surprised, and in his grumpy reluctant way is impressed that Ross knew he was Jewish. So too as it turns out is Ross – more common ground. From here things get friendlier. And more serious. Ross and Mr Green both know what it’s like to be unfairly persecuted. Both are ultimately lonely. These common bonds are teased out slowly and carefully as the two characters get to know each other more intimately. It’s a difficult balance to get right  – that process of moving from initial resentful distance to allowing that other person into your life, to show them that you have come to really care for them. It’s a slow and delicate dance that forms the crux of this show. Andrew Horwood (Mr Green) and Andrew Clark (Ross Gardiner) are great in their respective roles. Andrew Horwood is totally convincing as a mumbling, shuffling old man, and Andrew Clark brings just the right amount of obligation, care, and compassion. Visiting Mr Green consists of nine separate scenes all set in Mr Green’s New York apartment, punctuated with appropriate musical interludes that allow for audience reflection and set the mood for the following scene. It’s a format that works really well. It’s no surprise that this play has been one of the more commonly produced plays in English over the last 25 years. It’s an entertaining, relevant, and endearing tale that is expertly told under the direction of Vicki Horwood. 4 stars Michael Coghlan Visiting Mr Green continues at the Domain Theatre, Marion Cultural Centre, at  various times until Sat, 26 Oct. Click HERE to purchase tickets #TheClothesline