By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
IT’S POLITICALLY incorrect by today’s standards but Dimboola – the play, not the town – is just so funny it stays in production somewhere.
It remains the prolific Jack Hibberd’s most popular play, written in 1968 in London, ironically enough, despite satirising the country cousins of the Wimmera town.
Under the expert guiding hand of Debbie Fraser, Matchbox Theatre Company’s production of Dimboola will enjoy the seaside scenery of Geelong Boathouse.
Fraser has just finished a run directing Peter Pan at Geelong Performing Arts Centre.
“Oddly enough, I was directing a production of Peter Pan at the Polly Woodside when it was run by Malcolm and Czes Ralton, who now operate Geelong Boathouse.
“And, yes, Dimboola was on at night in the restaurant, so it’s like turning back the clock.”
Fraser said the production would retain the original 1973 setting of the play “in keeping with its naughtiness”.
“Compared to today there’s a bit of cringe factor involved but a few people might secretly be hankering for a return to 1973.
“Those of us who’ve been around long enough have probably been to a wedding or two like it.
“It’s a lot of fun and it’s tongue in cheek.”
The audience-participation play transforms venue patrons into guests at a wedding breakfast where everything goes wrong.
The comic tensions between the Catholic and Protestant families of the bride and groom erupt into social mayhem while guests still manage to celebrate the occasion.
The cast of 15 dance, swirl and in some cases stumble their way through the formalities managing to see the funny side of everything.
Matchbox will present Dimboola, including a three-course meal, at the watefront Boathouse on the first three Friday and Saturday nights in July.
