Review by Michelle Sutton
Alone It Stands tells the true story of Ireland’s all-amateur Munster rugby team defeating the All Blacks in 1978. John Breen remembered when the earth-shattering event occurred as a boy, and since there was never a television broadcast of the game or any other account memorialised, decided to preserve the story and write a play about the game himself. Alone it Stands debuted in 1999 and was first performed in rugby clubs before making it's way to The West End. Ensemble Theatre’s production directed by Janine Watson skilfully and boldly brings the story to life.
The script by John Breen is immaculate, jumping from different perspectives and places but never losing any of its detail or focus. Breen’s personal connection to the story and first-hand research interviewing players and spectators from the match pays off in a masterful script that brings to life a tapestry of working-class local heroes, posh out-of-towners and kids running a’muck. Breen’s self-deprecating and dark sense of humour works perfectly across the Irish and New Zealand cultures. There is never a dull moment throughout both acts. A simple set paired with simple costuming by Emma White keep the focus on the characters and the action. There is green grass on the floor and wall of the cosy ensemble theatre stage, with benches and stray water bottles and towels strewn about. The 6 artists on stage where rugby uniforms with mud caked on their faces and bodies. The performance of the Haka KA MATE is one of the most powerful moments of the play, with thanks to cultural consultant Tiana Tiakiwai’s wisdom and guidance. Director Janine Watson harnesses the power of John Breen’s intricate and nuances script and the energy of the incredibly talented actors in the ensemble to keep the momentum, surprises and laughs coming throughout the entire show.
The cast comprises of Anthony Taufa, Tristan Black, Ray Chong Nee, Skyler Ellis, Brialle Clarke and Alex King. The 6 talented actors in the cast play over 60 roles, switching between accents, ages and in some cases-species, with a snap of a finger. Alex King is captivating every moment she is on the stage, whether playing a cocky rugby star running in slow-mo, a kid in a gang or an erratic taxi driver-she commits to every role. Tristan Black delivers a masterclass of comedic acting, physically embodying each character down to every last detail and gesture, mining the most out of every joke and dialling everything to 110%. Skyler Ellis excels in the ridiculous but also pulls on the heart strings in many of the play’s tender moments. Anthony Taufa exudes charisma on all of roles he portrays. Briallen Clarke adds something different with a sincerity and vulnerability and Ray Chong Nee delivers one of the funniest performance’s as 12 year old Spider, whilst also bringing gravitas and power to the other characters he plays. The ensemble works together as a well-oiled machine with no weak link among them to deliver extremely strong performances across the board.
There is a ridiculous amount of complex choreography in this play, which is pulled off seamlessly aided by the fight coordinator Tim Dashwood. Rugby scrums scenes that transition into birth scenes effortlessly with incredible comedic payoff. I can only imagine the tireless hours of rehearsal that went into committing these sequences to mind. The actors showcase professionalism, discipline and stamina to be able to keep up with the physicality and rapid pace of the play and the result is that it is a truly delightful rollercoaster ride for the audience.
A love letter to sport, and a hilarious and rousing tale of community and the triumph of the underdog, Alone It Stands is sure to strike a chord with Sydney audiences and be a tremendous hit. So vivid and recognisable are the towns, characters and truths replicated in Alone It Stands that it is able to effortlessly transcend culture and decades. It is easily the best production I have seen at Ensemble Theatre with the highest quality of directing, performing and production design all coming together perfectly to create something wildly raucous, touching and memorable.
Image Credit: Prudence Upton