Featured
‘Cirque Bon Bon’ // Jacs Entertainment and Brisbane...
Page to Stage: 5 Must-See Stageplays Based on...
Drama Skills in Four Key Areas: A Beginner’s...
7 Dramatic Purposes: A Beginner’s Guide
Excuses the Improv Game: 2 Ways to Play
‘The Making of Pinocchio’ // Brisbane Festival, Brisbane...
‘Crazy F*cking B*tches’ // A Little Life Theatre
‘Ravenous’ // Samuel Brookfield and Good Chat Comedy...
8 Dramatic Devices: A Beginner’s Guide
6 Dramatic Texts and Their Purpose: A Beginner’s...
Theatre Haus
Banner
  • Reviews
    • Community Reviews Independent Reviews Professional Reviews All
      Community Reviews

      ‘Les Misérables’ // Toowoomba Choral Society

      September 12, 2023

      Community Reviews

      ‘Phantom of the Opera’ // Ipswich Musical Theatre…

      September 11, 2023

      Community Reviews

      ‘Doghole’ // Vena Cava Productions

      August 15, 2023

      Community Reviews

      ‘Proof’ // Tugun Theatre Company

      August 15, 2023

      Independent Reviews

      ‘Crazy F*cking B*tches’ // A Little Life Theatre

      September 19, 2023

      Independent Reviews

      ‘Ravenous’ // Samuel Brookfield and Good Chat Comedy…

      September 15, 2023

      Independent Reviews

      ‘PASHUN’ // TheatrePunk Co.

      September 11, 2023

      Independent Reviews

      ‘The Penelopiad’ // Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble

      August 31, 2023

      Professional Reviews

      ‘Cirque Bon Bon’ // Jacs Entertainment and Brisbane…

      September 22, 2023

      Professional Reviews

      ‘The Making of Pinocchio’ // Brisbane Festival, Brisbane…

      September 19, 2023

      Professional Reviews

      ‘Pacific Mother’ // Sachito Fukumoto

      September 9, 2023

      Professional Reviews

      ‘Unconditional’ // Playlab and Brisbane Festival

      September 6, 2023

      Reviews

      ‘Cirque Bon Bon’ // Jacs Entertainment and Brisbane…

      September 22, 2023

      Reviews

      ‘The Making of Pinocchio’ // Brisbane Festival, Brisbane…

      September 19, 2023

      Reviews

      ‘Crazy F*cking B*tches’ // A Little Life Theatre

      September 19, 2023

      Reviews

      ‘Ravenous’ // Samuel Brookfield and Good Chat Comedy…

      September 15, 2023

  • News
    • News

      Melbourne Shakespeare Company presents innovative interpretation of ‘Julius…

      August 31, 2023

      News

      Murder Mystery “Clue: On Stage” to Keep Beenleigh…

      August 21, 2023

      News

      Boosting Queensland’s Cultural Landscape: $3.8 Million Investment

      August 19, 2023

      News

      Museums Unite for Revolutionary VR Films

      August 19, 2023

      News

      Wynnum Fringe Festival Returns to Illuminate Queensland’s Cultural…

      August 17, 2023

  • Editorials
    • Editorials

      Page to Stage: 5 Must-See Stageplays Based on…

      September 22, 2023

      Editorials

      Drama Skills in Four Key Areas: A Beginner’s…

      September 21, 2023

      Editorials

      7 Dramatic Purposes: A Beginner’s Guide

      September 21, 2023

      Editorials

      Excuses the Improv Game: 2 Ways to Play

      September 20, 2023

      Editorials

      8 Dramatic Devices: A Beginner’s Guide

      September 14, 2023

  • Wall of Faves
    • 2022 People’s Choice
    • 2022 Faves
    • 2021 People’s Choice
    • 2021 Faves
    • 2020 Faves
    • 2019 Faves
  • About
    • Enter Competition
    • Request a Reviewer
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Move In
    • Meet the Haus Builders
    • Meet the Haus Sitters
  • QUICK SURVEY
Community ReviewsFeaturedReviews

‘Daylight Savings’ // Villanova Players

by Rebecca Lynne June 17, 2023
by Rebecca Lynne June 17, 2023 0 comment
Share 3FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
3.7K

‘Daylight Savings’ was saucy.

In the delightful production of “Daylight Saving” presented by Villanova Players, director Helen Ekundayo brings to life a comedic tale of love, lust, and dramatic escapades. Written by the late Australian playwright, Nick Enright, the play takes us back to the 1980s and into an almost farcical drama of strained relationships and unexpected guests.

Set in a sleek house overlooking a lovely lake in Pittwater in Sydney, the play unfolds on the last night daylight saving time. The play unfolds like a captivating soap opera, with escalating stakes and a constant stream of surprises. Through a series of unexpected visitors and constant interruptions, the play explores the strained marriage of Felicity, an affluent restaurant owner, and her workaholic husband, Tom. With the sudden arrival of her old flame, Josh, infidelity becomes a possibility, leading to chaotic and comedic situations.

Leading the ensemble is Victoria McCrystal as Felicity, who runs a bustling restaurant and navigates the challenges of a strained marriage. Initially, the performer seemed distant and disconnected, successfully reflecting how lost and uncertain Felicity is later revealed to be feeling. As the play progresses, McCrystal’s performance reflects the character’s growth. Although there remained a lingering sense of vulnerability in their performance, McCrystal became a far more confident presence on stage, exuding ease and charm by the end of the second act.

Playing the adulterous love interest is Michael McNish as Josh, Felicity’s old flame from her school exchange year in the USA. McNish embraces the role of the obnoxious and loud American character, delivering a predictable but amusing portrayal of the heartbreaking player. It was thoroughly entertaining to see how they transitioned from charming to sleazy without relying too heavily on comedy or melodrama. McNish certainly captured the garishness of Joshua, and while there are moments where his portrayal certainly becomes irritating in the second act, it ultimately serves the storyline well.

Alison Clark portrays Stephanie, the nosy neighbour whose presence on stage adds a delightful touch of chaos to the proceedings. Clark has a natural confidence on stage that was particularly noteworthy when portraying Stephanie’s more audacious behaviour, such as inviting herself to the romantic dinner date and helping herself to the fancy lobster.

Felicity’s oblivious mother Bunty is played by Desley Nichols. As the doting and fussing mother, Nichols brings a genuine affection to the character. Their motherly finicking and nitpicking about the set was never too much, especially when it was used to cleverly cover up a stumbled line I almost didn’t notice. Throughout the play, Nichols had a wonderfully warm stage presence, making for a delightful portrayal of Bunty.

Making a timely entrance in the second act, Peter Cattach plays the role of Tom Finn, Felicity’s workaholic husband. At first feeling like an unwelcome intrusion to the illicit romance, by the end of the play, Cattach’s performance wins over the hearts of the audience and of his wife. Although not as engaging as the other characters, Cattach delivers an authentic portrayal of a man taking a long overdue step back from their career and reprioritizing what matters in their life. Their portrayal effectively captures the character’s desire to win back his wife’s affection after years of emotional distance and nearly missing their anniversary.

At the centre of it all is Lachlan Gregory Hugh as Jason, the international tennis icon with a penchant for tantrums. Hugh provides great comic relief in his brief but entertaining appearance on stage. Their uptight portrayal of the spoiled celebrity athlete was very comical, and it was fascinating to see the dynamic between Hugh’s character and Josh. The air of naïve entitlement exuding from Hugh’s performance put a spotlight on Josh’s false charm and manipulation.

Much praise to Helen Ekundayo’s directing choices that firmly steered the piece towards soap-opera rather than leaning too far into melodrama. However, some of the sound effects used in the performance were somewhat distracting and hard to understand, and improvements in that area could enhance the overall experience. Nevertheless, with the sleek and modern set design, featuring stylish furnishings and artsy bric-a-brac, the upscale atmosphere of Felicity’s house made for a very ‘Bold and the Beautiful’-esque vibe. The props were well done and added to the humour and authenticity of the production. Using an actual magazine featuring Hugh as the tennis stud on the cover was a delightful touch to the production.

All in all, ‘Daylight Saving’ offers a delightful and fast-paced comedy that explores love, loneliness, and the challenges of managing a temperamental tennis star. The storyline is chaotic yet engaging, keeping the audience on their toes, eagerly anticipating what will happen next.

‘Daylight Savings’ performs until Sunday, 18 June 2023 at The Ron Hurley Theatre. For more information visit their website.

Rebecca Lynne
Rebecca Lynne

Rebecca Lynne is a director and dramaturg with a love for all things dramatic. She has recently expanded her skillset into the realm of theatre production and technical theatre design. Currently, she’s researching contemporary theatre practitioners in Brisbane for her Honour’s in Drama at UQ.

SUBSCRIBE

More Articles

  • ‘Cirque Bon Bon’ // Jacs Entertainment and Brisbane Festival

  • Page to Stage: 5 Must-See Stageplays Based on Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings

  • Drama Skills in Four Key Areas: A Beginner’s Guide

  • 7 Dramatic Purposes: A Beginner’s Guide

  • Excuses the Improv Game: 2 Ways to Play

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Policies
  • Testimonials
  • Promote Your Show
  • Contact Us



We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, in particular the Turrbal people of our home Meanjin/Brisbane, and their continued custodianship of the land and waters. We are deeply inspired by their traditions of art, performance and storytelling, and give thanks to their elders past and present.

© 2019-2023 Theatre Haus. All Right Reserved.


Theatre Haus
  • Reviews
    • Community Reviews Independent Reviews Professional Reviews All
      Community Reviews

      ‘Les Misérables’ // Toowoomba Choral Society

      September 12, 2023

      Community Reviews

      ‘Phantom of the Opera’ // Ipswich Musical Theatre…

      September 11, 2023

      Community Reviews

      ‘Doghole’ // Vena Cava Productions

      August 15, 2023

      Community Reviews

      ‘Proof’ // Tugun Theatre Company

      August 15, 2023

      Independent Reviews

      ‘Crazy F*cking B*tches’ // A Little Life Theatre

      September 19, 2023

      Independent Reviews

      ‘Ravenous’ // Samuel Brookfield and Good Chat Comedy…

      September 15, 2023

      Independent Reviews

      ‘PASHUN’ // TheatrePunk Co.

      September 11, 2023

      Independent Reviews

      ‘The Penelopiad’ // Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble

      August 31, 2023

      Professional Reviews

      ‘Cirque Bon Bon’ // Jacs Entertainment and Brisbane…

      September 22, 2023

      Professional Reviews

      ‘The Making of Pinocchio’ // Brisbane Festival, Brisbane…

      September 19, 2023

      Professional Reviews

      ‘Pacific Mother’ // Sachito Fukumoto

      September 9, 2023

      Professional Reviews

      ‘Unconditional’ // Playlab and Brisbane Festival

      September 6, 2023

      Reviews

      ‘Cirque Bon Bon’ // Jacs Entertainment and Brisbane…

      September 22, 2023

      Reviews

      ‘The Making of Pinocchio’ // Brisbane Festival, Brisbane…

      September 19, 2023

      Reviews

      ‘Crazy F*cking B*tches’ // A Little Life Theatre

      September 19, 2023

      Reviews

      ‘Ravenous’ // Samuel Brookfield and Good Chat Comedy…

      September 15, 2023

  • News
    • News

      Melbourne Shakespeare Company presents innovative interpretation of ‘Julius…

      August 31, 2023

      News

      Murder Mystery “Clue: On Stage” to Keep Beenleigh…

      August 21, 2023

      News

      Boosting Queensland’s Cultural Landscape: $3.8 Million Investment

      August 19, 2023

      News

      Museums Unite for Revolutionary VR Films

      August 19, 2023

      News

      Wynnum Fringe Festival Returns to Illuminate Queensland’s Cultural…

      August 17, 2023

  • Editorials
    • Editorials

      Page to Stage: 5 Must-See Stageplays Based on…

      September 22, 2023

      Editorials

      Drama Skills in Four Key Areas: A Beginner’s…

      September 21, 2023

      Editorials

      7 Dramatic Purposes: A Beginner’s Guide

      September 21, 2023

      Editorials

      Excuses the Improv Game: 2 Ways to Play

      September 20, 2023

      Editorials

      8 Dramatic Devices: A Beginner’s Guide

      September 14, 2023

  • Wall of Faves
    • 2022 People’s Choice
    • 2022 Faves
    • 2021 People’s Choice
    • 2021 Faves
    • 2020 Faves
    • 2019 Faves
  • About
    • Enter Competition
    • Request a Reviewer
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Move In
    • Meet the Haus Builders
    • Meet the Haus Sitters
  • QUICK SURVEY