Good as Gold 2005 (reviews)

From Urban Press

Meteor Theatre, Hamilton 2005

Directed by David Foote

Good as Gold is pick-a-path theatre. The play has been cleverly devised by David Foote and Ross MacLeod, so that at poignant moments the audience decides what happens next. Set in the Goldfields of Central Otago, it has hero Liam Finn return from Waikato Land Wars to his home town of Butchers Gully. During his absence, the evil baker Ernst Von Strudelmeyer, played by Sean Lynch, has taken over the town. His credit-lending business has many locals including Finn’s mother in danger of loosing their homes.

Meanwhile, Finns former sweetheart, merely a girl when he left, is now an attractive distracting young woman. Will he get the girl? Will he save the town? The audience decides. The plot is driven by the host, gypsy traveler Hob Toogood, played by Pip Smith. The level of audience interaction is what distinguishes this play from many, and at times feels like an Adult pantomime. Smith is an engaging and likable rogue, who carries this difficult role well. Good as Gold feature some very polished performers and standout performances. Ross MacLeod plays a wonderful Keefe Theriouth and Lynch has the audience in hysterics. A minimalist set and use of props and lighting work well.

This is a fun and charming local production.

Lucy Reed, Waikato Times, 16-06-05