Alan Ayckbourn’s dark comedy Absent Friends comes to Sydney’s north this month with an all-star cast including Queenie van de Zandt and Darren Gilshenan. We asked Gilshenan all about it.
Absent Friends builds comedy from a place of grief. Why is it such a fruitful avenue for a narrative?
Well, they say comedy is pain plus truth or drama amplified, so the premises of death and loss is fertile ground for a laugh. Alan Ayckbourn was exploring character in this play, not so much plot or narrative. He sets up a group of unhappy people who are not looking forward to a tea party and then he dumps the eternal optimist amongst the deeply depressed types. The comedy is that of recognition. It’s awkward and revealing. I’ve always thought the line is paper thin between comedy and drama, and this play rides that line.
Mark Kilmurry is an experienced director of theatre. How would you describe his style?
Very collaborative, like all good directors. He is meticulous in his attention to detail and thorough. He has absolute respect for the punctuation and clues in the text. He encouraged us to keep it real and not be seduced by the laughter.
The cast is also a strong one. Does a story like this necessitate a good working relationship with your fellow players?
Very much so, because the material is so specific in its punctuation and prescription. We all need to stay disciplined in executing this play and that requires everyone to do his or her part for the whole. A strong ensemble is borne out of this and creates a great working relationship.
How vital is the theatre scene in Australia these days?
I think it’s in a good state. A few more venues have popped up in Sydney over the last couple of years. Theatre reflects who we are and tells stories we can see ourselves in. It’s not only vital but essential in combating the self-serving lowest common denominator of reality television.
You’ve come a long way from your days on Full Frontal – how has Australian comedy changed over this time?
That’s a rather large question. It’s become more sophisticated in parts. Shows like The Moodys, Chandon Pictures, Lowdown, Upper Middle Bogan and Utopia all have strong narratives and social comment. Sketch comedy like FF is on a hiatus at the moment – people seem to prefer stories again. There could always be more. People love to laugh.
Absent Friendsis playing atGlen Street Theatre fromWednesday January 28 until Sunday February 1, tickets online.
