Review: THREE IN THE BED Is A Raucous Romp Through The Twisted Sheets Of Young Love And Lust

Thursday 11th January 2018, 7:30pm New Theatre

Jonathon Holmes' new Australian musical THREE IN THE BED is a riotous, ribald and somewhat relatable exploration of the perils of relationships. Following a successful premiere season in September 2017, this cautionary tale of the misadventures of an impromptu ménage-a-tois returns to New Theatre.

Writer and Director Holmes's story centres around five twentysomethings and the misunderstandings and questionable decisions that arise over the course of one night at Jessica's (Daniella Mirels) house. Tim (Aaron Robuck) and his ceramic pineapple obsessed partner Emma (Caroline Oayda) are supposed to be going to a party at Tim's colleague Jessica's home whilst her parents are out but they have a fight and he ends up going in alone with the belief that he is now single. On discovering that Emma is apparently out of the picture, the awkward and neurotic Jessica finally thinks she has a chance to move out of the friendzone until Tim meets Zoe (Alicia Rose Quinn). Zoe is confident, sexy and exudes an air of danger and the forbidden but she has been friends with Jessica since they were children so doesn't want to hurt her so concocts a plan to keep all parties happy but plans don't always work out.

Holmes' music ranges from the gospel intro, led by Ben (Adin Milostnik), to more mainstream musical theatre styles, all supported by Natalya Aynsley's (Music director/piano) 5-piece band situated off stage. Whilst the story has a general universality aside from a few Australian references like our driving demerit system, Holmes has refreshingly opted to keep it as an Australian story, told in the performers own voices which aids in trying to make this farce in some way believable. Mirels gives Jessica a pleading earnestness and resentment in Signs which evolves to a simmering rage in Flattered whilst Quinn's Zoe is seductive in Fishing For Compliments but also a cheeky force in Cupid in contrast to her alternative styling with pink hair and thigh high boots. Oayda ensures that Emma is seem as overbearing, controlling and hell bent on creating what she believes is the image of a perfect relationship. Robuck is the only exception to the Australian accents, having grown up in America so takes the role of Tim to a more stereotypical musical theatre style as the quintessential nerdy guy unsure of himself but suddenly landed with a great opportunity. Ben is a smaller role but Milostnik ensures that the dumb cool guy is seen as sensitive with the smooth realisation of The Package.

The work has a good balance of comedy, both in the text and the physicality. Mirels and Quinn present a delightful pas de deux and the choreography of the menage-a-tois and aftermath is well constructed. The content doesn't shy away from the reality of relationships making a show with many moments of recognition and relatability regardless of whether the audience has explored trios. This honesty, which is isn't always covered with innuendo, means that this work is definitely not for younger audiences or those with prudish principles.

THREE IN THE BED incites roars of laughter and groans of recognition, making for an entertaining night of light theatre. There are no ground-breaking topics or new life changing messages as the adage that 'sex ruins everything' has been around for a while but if you want a light-hearted piece of adult entertainment, grab a drink and settle in for a night of fun.

THREE IN THE BED

11 - 26 January 2018

(title photo: Laura May Creative)

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