Wrong Turn at Lungfish ~ Galleon Theatre Group ~ Review

[Theatre, SA Premiere] Domain Theatre, Marion Cultural Centre, 2 May 2025  It is a delight to behold the play’s setting when the curtain opens. The attention to detail from the Galleon Theatre Group crew in this production is superb, and the show is both fabulously funny and thought-provoking entertainment. A dying man throw barbs and insults at his visitor with deadly accuracy and with flawless wit in his hospital room, yet they are either deflected or turned into opportunities to tell him more about her life. Why, we ask, is she being so nice to him? The friction between these two individuals is palpable, and understandable given they could not be any more different. We expect them to gradually find some common ground, to share some humanity, but the relationship that develops is fraught with deception and distrust. However, despite their rocky road there is hopefully redemption waiting, if only at the last gasp of breath. Humour permeates this brilliant script like the bubbles in a bottle of fine bubbly wine, and the waves of laughter rippling out alternate with pregnant silences as we take in the awesome breadth of serious themes they explore. The dying man is hoping to find some answers to the ‘big’ questions in the time left him: from the futility of life to wondering why human beings are capable of both extremes, the sublime heights of powerful poetry and the depths of raw violence. When these extremes literally collide on stage the result is electrifying. And the questions that keep coming resonate with each of us – especially, do we just accept what happens, or will we take responsibility for our own actions? There are excellent, strong performances all round from this ensemble, with all four characters well-rounded and consummately crafted. The pacing is spot-on, demonstrating the decisive and delicate hand of a deft director, Rosie Aust. Together they make the play come alive as only live theatre can, in the best possible way; a suspenseful, riveting story you would swear is real, that grabs you from the get-go and doesn’t let you go. The surprise dramatic twist towards the end is perfectly placed to reveal the truth, but then there is still that strange, ineffable thing called love in all its forms to contend with. And perhaps love is all that matters in the end. 5 stars David Cronin Wrong Turn At Lungfish continues at Domain Theatre, Marion Cultural Centre various times until Sat 10 May. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #TheClothesline