Sometimes life is stranger than fiction, as demonstrated by Geelong Repertory Theatre Company’s latest offering Bondi Legal.
Written by lawyer/playwright Tony Laumberg, this quintessentially Aussie courtroom comedy was inspired by his own experience with a case in the 1990s involving equine hair loss.
Described as Erin Brockovich meets The Castle, the tale involves hapless lawyer Brad Pitt (no, not that Brad Pitt) turning up to serve as a locum to a legal practice to find he’s on a big case.
The case involves taking on a large pharmaceutical company on behalf of Frances, whose daughter’s prize-winning show pony loses its mane and hair after using one of the company’s products.
Director Scott Beaton has consulted with Laumberg in the lead up to the production, which he said was “awesome” and “pretty rare for us in the community theatre world”.
“It’s a little bit like The Castle, insomuch as it’s the Aussie battler going up against, in this case, big pharma or big business,” Beaton said.
“This lady went to the company and said this is clearly cause and effect; they took no liability and so she took them to court out of principle.
“That really resonated with me, and talking to Tony, he agreed that sticking up for your principles and not just rolling over to a big bully… really resonated for him too.”
The production’s cast of seven will be led by Lachy Murphy as Brad Pitt and Tracey McKeague as litigant Frances Denyer.
Beaton said both actors brought a huge amount of personality to their roles.
“Lachy is naturally a comedian; he’s very funny, he’s got great timing and he’s extremely lovable and affable, all of which is very important for this character,” he said.
“I haven’t worked with Tracey before but she’s been a delight. She’s Northern Irish, which has brought a really interesting take to the character of Frances, who is a holistic healer and a very funny juxtaposition to Lachy’s fish-out-of-water Brad Pitt.”
The production also features a mural created for the show by local artist Julia Pratt.
Bondi Legal is at the Woodbin Theatre from Friday, February 7 until Saturday, February 22. Tickets are available through Geelong Arts Centre.
