Three decades have passed since 'Mother And Son' first appeared on television and this year sees the return of Geoffrey Atherden's hilarious comedy, live on stage.
In what has been described as an achingly funny (in a good way) performance, the beloved TV series is brought to life with the talents of well-known Australian actors, Noeline Brown, Darren Gilshenan, Rob Carlton and Rachael Beck.
The stage production is directed by Roger Hodgman who was nominated for an AFI for his direction of 'The Secret Life Of Us' and is written by the original TV series creator and writer, Geoffrey Atherden, who was appointed as a Member Of The Order Of Australia in 2009.'Mother And Son' follows Arthur (Darren Gilshenan), who is at his wits end and is desperate for some time away with his new girlfriend, Anita (Rachael Beck). But he doesn't have anyone who would look after his mother, Maggie (Noeline Brown), who he has already sacrificed so much for. Vague but vicious and more arsenic than old lace, Maggie would have Arthur in the pocket of her apron for life – if she could just remember where she put the apron. Arthur's older, philandering dentist brother, Robert (Rob Carlton) and his wife Liz claim they would love to help, however Liz has bigger fish to fry. Is Robert having an affair with his hygienist? Will Arthur finally get away to pop the question? Will Maggie go on a trip of her own?
Co-starring in 'Mother And Son', Rachael Beck is well-known for her role as Samantha Kelly in 'Hey Dad..!' as well as appearing on 'Home And Away'. Rachael explains that the show is lucky enough to have "a great cast of the finest actors" with whom she has worked previously.Rachael discusses the nepotism involved in the Australian theatre industry as she goes on to mention she has also "worked with [director] Roger Hodgman on another stage show, 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' as well as previously working with producer Spencer McLaren... It's a small industry. It's not like America where people go from job to job to job... often actors have to go looking for parts and jobs are hard to come by on stage and I'm extremely grateful for any job I get."
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On the original TV show Beck recalls that at a young age she was already "a bit of a comedy fan. I wasn’t very old, but I do remember my parents watching it and grandparents watching it.” Though the character she plays on stage did not appear in the TV series, it meant getting into her role was quite easy. "I really only had to familiarise myself with the show in general," she explains. "The wonderful writing makes it easy to get into the rhythm of the show. It's not like doing 'Les Miserables' where you get right into the background of the character.”
Rachael points out that the stage show is "extremely similar" but quickly adds that "the characters on stage are not doing impersonations of the originals. Noelene and Darren are amazing actors," she says kindly, "they have taken the general essence of the show and re-worked it for a more modern production."
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The show is for all ages to enjoy, not just fans of the TV series. "I think the audience is fairly mixed. People who love comedy come and see it. People who aren't aware of the show will come and see it... the stage show is reminiscent of the original but is delivered as a whole new episode. Anyone who comes to see the show will not be disappointed, no way!"
Join everyone’s favourite, forgetful mum in this trip down loss-of-memory lane when 'Mother And Son' plays QPAC, 18 February - 15 March.
