Sly Rat Theatre Co production PLUCK! is replete with sex, quacks and shoot-outs as promised in the flyer and an ‘in your face’ scene that incites either uncontrollable laughter or squirming, or both. Director Alan Chamber’s black comedy of a couple trying to repair their broken marriage, parodies gender stereotypes and transfixes with raunchy sex scenes, powerful acting and a well crafted script courtesy of Steven McCall.
Protagonist Dr. Jeremy Pluck, (played with aplomb by Brendan Ewing) is the sensitive beta male therapist, trying to rekindle his marriage with Daphne (a passionate portrayal by Michaela Bedel). His indiscretions have created a rift, and the rift grows when a mugging incident in the park, sees Daphne question his role as her protector. Headstrong Daphne wants him to man up, perhaps be more like the aggressive alpha male bully cop, Wyatt (played with conviction by Todd Levi) and above all she wants to feel safe.
Tying the scenes together is Gabriel played with gusto by Walter Hanna, completely embodying his characters and stealing nearly every scene he appears in. Is he an angel ? The voice of reason, or a furry four legged friend? Dr Pluck flirts with his cleaner Lulu, (imbued with poignancy by Lee Quek) and tries various ways to ‘beef up’ his masculinity.
The use of props is minimal. Wooden blocks are used to flow from one scene to the next and clothing becomes more dishevelled as the characters lives fall apart.
Pluck! is throughly engaging, entertaining, funny and will leave an indelible impression on those who see it.
Read our Q&A with PLUCK!
