Review for The ACB with Honora Lee at Circa Theatre

By Tilda Bostwick

This was a sweet play, laugh out loud funny and kind-hearted.  Based on the book by Kate de Goldi and adapted and directed by Jane Waddell.

Smart, strict, well educated parents are struggling to maintain a relationship with grandma (Honora) who is in a rest home and has dementia.  Their eccentric 9 year old (Perry) is a fitting match for the grandmother and here the tale begins.  We see their relationship blossom and hear the most funny range of long forgotten expressions bandied around  eg. "that'll be a frosty Friday" as Honora, the residents, staff,  parents and Perry start to cross-pollinate!  

The soundtrack was a treat -  laid back jazz, made by local musicians, it enhanced the beautiful set which had a wonderful honeycomb shaped back wall.  Animated images moved between the panels ie. a bee flying by, words and pictures being written by Perry and the changing colours and images heralded scene changes.

This is a Circa all star cast - Ginette McDonald plays grandma perfectly and easily and the star of show Lauren Gibson plays the 9 year old with complete sass and confidence!   The other 4 actors play multiple roles including children, rest home staff and hilarious old folk.

This is a play for all the family = please take them!

On at Circa until 20 March.Click here for details.