If you could write your own eulogy, what would you say? How would you want your life summed up? That’s the question at the centre of The Rest Is Silence currently playing at Newcastle Theatre Company.
It’s a play, written by acclaimed journalist Scott Bevan, about words; their power to hurt, to heal, and how they are used to say farewell. And it even features a homage to The Police’s 1980 non-sensically titled hit De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da.
The story centres on the character of Dan Bedford who wants to be an actor but is earning a crust by writing and delivering eulogies at the funeral of people unknown to him while honing his craft and his dream of performing Hamlet.
But Dan’s life takes a dramatic turn as one terminally ill man is determined to have control over his eulogy; what unfolds over their weekly meetings is a lesson in humility, forgiveness, understanding and the curious turns life can take.
Barry Shepherd is superb as the frustrating and quite unlikable Dr. Bedford Hughes, who throughout the performance takes us from wanting to wring his annoying neck at most points, to feeling the need to comfort him. It would be difficult to see any other actor bring to life the role of Dr. Bedford.
Following an impressive recent performance in Shrek the Musical, Rory Pollack had a baptism of fire with only eight weeks to get prepared for the central role of Dan.
With only one scene NOT including Rory, it is a fast-paced performance as we meet a “bumbling” Dan through to the multi-dimensional, confident, and self-assured man we see at the conclusion.
Playing Dan’s mother is veteran Newcastle performer Wendy Radcliffe who certainly doesn’t disappoint. And if you are familiar with the beautiful voice of this incredible actress you are in for a surprise.
Craig Barnes is cast perfectly opposite Wendy as Dan’s father, a simple man whose use of the English language is sparse yet proves to be incredibly profound for his young son.
Connie Voisey-Barlin is certainly a shining light in the performance as she provides light and shade to Kate, whose world is more entwined with the tragic story of Bedford than anyone could imagine.
Co-directors Claire Williams and Phillip Ross are justifiably proud of the production and do justice to the incredible writing of Scott Bevan.
Rarely do you hear from the directors and the playwright prior to a performance, but that was only the first of many pleasant surprises at the Newcastle Theatre Company’s Sunday afternoon matinee where theatregoers were made to feel like an integral part of the community and the play they were about to see.
#PROTIP: Bring your tissues – The Rest is Silence deals with some very tough subject matter but manages to do it with dark humour that lightens the moment at just the right time.
The Rest is Silence is a perfect example of the world-class theatre talent we have here in the Hunter and will have you thinking about your own life and mortality long after you have left the theatre. If you see one play this month, make sure it’s this one.
Newcastle Theatre Company will be hosting the three final performances of The Rest is Silence at 8 pm on Wednesday 19th, Friday 21st, and Saturday 22nd of October. For tickets visit newcastletheatrecompany.com.au.
