Rich
Hall is probably best known for his stand-up comedy but over the
past few years he has written directed and starred in several plays,
this years offering is "Best Western".
Rich
seems to almost to romanticise the old west in a droll deadpan way.
An old motel quietly awaits the bulldozer despite Del (Carol
Cleveland), the proprietress' efforts. Her daughter Ryvita (Dagmar
Doring), is awaiting the immanent arrival of her fatherless child.
Department of Transport worker Ed (Kyle Fabel), is sent to examine
the property to evaluate the amount of any compensation due.
Childless he and his wife are desperate for children.
Meanwhile
in room 9 Early (Tim Williams) sits contemplating his life and the
probability of his death. Toby, (Tom Stade) is dragged by his wife
Wanda (Maria Golledge) to see his ailing father. The estranged
family have issues to work through not least of all Tom's mother who
disappeared out of his young life with no explanation never to be
seen again.
Cleverly
written with four or five storylines intertwined, Rich displays both
the best and the worst of our expectations of the outposts of the
old West which may still exist today.
Beautifully
performed by the whole cast.
****
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