Well-known for his performances in such TV hits as Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell, Francis Greenslade has also always been a wordsmith. He has finally let that side of himself take centre stage in writing and directing The Platypus, which premiered last year in Melbourne, and is now set for a packed couple of weeks at Holden Street Theatres. 

Jessica and Richard have been married for ten years, and have a young son together. Both working, juggling school drop-offs, and struggling to maintain a mortgage, their marriage is buffeted from all sides. They start looking outside their relationship for solace, finally resulting in a catastrophic split. 

Sounds simple enough. But this play is anything but the kitchen-sink Jeremiad it may seem on the surface. Greenslade has crafted a story which uses varied theatrical genres to help tell the story, and to interrogate the differing faces we put on depending on who we are interacting with. Restoration comedy, Pinter, Shakespeare, stand-up comedy, and even ventriloquism, help shape the story of two people and their struggles to communicate, and to hold onto love. This makes for moments of profound drama, and delightful hilarity, with the latter never pulling focus from the unfolding narrative. There is even an on-going joke about a musical-theatre loving character, which allows for some…well…musical theatre, including two songs with lyrics by Greenslade himself, and music by Matt Frank. 

There is much in here that is recognisable to anyone who has had a relationship and/or been a parent.  But anybody human will find here fundamental thoughts about the search for an emotional home: for an unconditionally loving witness to our lives. 

Performing all the roles are Rebecca Bower and John Leary. Both are strong theatre actors who revel in their myriad roles, leaning into all the genres without playing them up. Bower also proves herself to be a stonkingly good singer. There is heart-breakingly pathos in the chemistry between them which keeps the audience invested till the very end. Special mention goes to young Adelaide actor Weston Thomas who makes a small, but very moving appearance. 

The Platypus is theatre at its very best: thought-provoking, emotional, often hilariously funny, and relentlessly entertaining without turning into a carnival. This is absolutely one to add to your schedule for the final weeks of Mad March!