GAY British writer Jonathan Harvey says his play Out in the Open simply couldn't be set in the straight world.

"In this play, the spin on it is that the guy who died was having an affair behind his partner's back," Harvey says from London.

"After the funeral, the lover has arrived as a dark stranger and the surviving guy starts dating him.

"It's about the friends who knew that this was going on and what they do. Do they intervene? It's more about secrets and lies."

Harvey says the story couldn't really happen to heterosexual characters.

"If my wife died tomorrow, and I was a straight man, I probably wouldn't have an affair with the guy she was having an affair with."

Adelaide's award-winning Mixed Salad Productions will present the South Australian premiere of Out in the Open as part of this month's Feast Festival.

Written in 2002, the original London production was such a hit it was brought back for a second season.

"Kylie Minogue came to see it twice," Harvey says. "It's got happy memories for me and it's thrilling that it's being done again."

The Kylie connection came about though the director of the London production, actress Kathy Burke, who has worked with Harvey on various projects including his TV series Gimme Gimme Gimme, which is being rescreened on the ABC.

Harvey continues to write for the long-running soap Coronation Street, and recently enjoyed another hit series with Beautiful People.

"I did a play this year called Canary and that's been bought by the BBC to turn into a drama series, so I'm currently working on a treatment for that."

Harvey says loss and bereavement have subconsciously formed a thematic line which runs through his stage work.

"Possibly because when I started writing, the gay community was being decimated by HIV and AIDS, a lot of my plays tend to feature a person rebuilding their life after somebody has died, and the issues that are raised after that," he says.

Director Dave Simms says Out in the Open is a caustic contemporary comedy about love and the limits of friendship.

"The play is rude and very funny with terrific dialogue and tender scenes," Simms says.

Friendship and loss, secrets and the lies we tell

Adelaide's award winning Mixed Salad Productions are once again presenting a show that, if history serves them correctly, promises to be an absolute hit with audience goers.

Directed by Dave Simms, Out in the Open is a caustic comedy written in 2001 by multi-award winning LIverpool-born writer Jonathan Harvey whose previous works include the play-turned-movie Beautiful Thing, Murder Most Horrid, Hushabye Mountain and Coronation Street.

We speak with Jonathan, who is at home in London, about his contribution to Feast Festival.

"Out in the Open first opened in London about nine years ago," he begins. "It's based around the lives of a group of friends after one of them dies. Frankie, the guy who died, had been having an affair. Six months later, his partner Tony (Lee Cook) embarks on a relationship with a new guy, Iggy (played by Oliver de Rohan), not knowing that he is the same man that his partner was having the affair with.

"The entire play is set in a back garden on a hot summer's weekend in London," Jonathan adds.

Does London ever get hot?

"Yes - about once in every 25 years or so," he jests, "but not hot like Australia gets hot. We may get 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade once every two years... so it's more like a long hot weekend than a long hot summer!"

Does Iggy know who Tony actually is?

"I don't really want to give away too many of the twists in the story," Jonathan replies. "But basically the premise of it all is friendship and loss, secrets and the lies we tell each other and the stuff that we might tell one friend but not another. It's also about the gradual realisation about who did or didn't know who this new person was and the consequences of that."

Are there any home truths within Out in the Open?

"It was more ruminating. I remember hearing a gay friend of mine talking about the fact that he'd had an affair with somebody," he recalls. "because he was the secret lover, when that person died he wasn't allowed to go to the funeral; it was quite a sudden death so therefore he didn't know anything about it until it was too late.

"On the back of that, he laid some flowers on his grave which started me thinking 'what if somebody saw those flowers, what if those two people met...' and it all rolled on from there. It's certainly not biographical but if you're asking if there is any truth in it, then yes, there is truth in every line," Jonathan chuckles.

"I knew someone is slightly similar circumstance except some of his friends weren't so happy about him seeing someone new after his partner's death.

"The play really does focus on the group of friends. Although they are saying it's too soon for Tony to be having a relationship, we learn that there is a darker reason for that.

"The other big character in the play is a woman called Mary {Eleanor Boyd) as Frankie's grieving mother. She's always popping around to Tony's flat to talk about her dead son, which is quite problematic when he is trying to create a new life and move on. But because she has lost her son she doesn't want Tony to move on with anyone else."

Although Jonathan has not been directly involved in this production of Out in the Open, the play has already been performed in Australia.

"The London production was really well-received many years ago. We had a great cast which featured James McAvoy who was just starting out then but is quite a big film actor now. Out in the Open was one of this first plays that he did and now he's a big Hollywood star, so it's got good pedigree," Jonathan chuckles.

"Beautiful Thing has also been presented many times over there. The film was in various festivals about 15 years ago so I came over to Australia and New Zealand then, but I've not been to Adelaide yet. One of my other plays, Canary, will be performed at the Sydney Mardi Gras next year."

Catherine Blanch, 4 November 2010

This November

This November Adelaide's award-winning Mixed Salad Productions is presenting the SA Premiere of ‘Out In The Open' by Jonathan Harvey, the creator of gay classics 'Beautiful Thing', 'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!' and ‘Beautiful People’ as seen on ABCTV.

Tony needs to move on with his life after the death of his boyfriend Frankie six months ago. But when he brings home a cute young man, Frankie's mum and best friends can't cope. And over one long weekend, with the drugs and booze flowing, it isn't long before everyone's secrets and lies are dragged out in the open.

A dynamic cast of local actors are in rehearsal for this contemporary comedy to be directed by Dave Simms for the Feast Festival in November 2010.

Dave says the play never shies away from the darker side.  “It has some poignant & emotional scenes, but at the same time it’s a hilarious comedy packed with talented gorgeous actors – and we’re cramming every minute with emotion, drama, pashing and drunkenness – I can’t wait!”

Performances will  be held 17 November – 4 December Thursday to Saturdays at 8.00pm.  Sunset shows are at 6.30pm on Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23 and Sunday 28 November plus  Wednesday 1 December.  Previews are on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November at 8.00pm.

Tickets are from $10 to $25, available from www.mixed salad.com.au or 0439 533 173.

 

SA Premiere

Adelaide's award-winning Mixed Salad Productions will present the South Australian premiere of Out In The Open by award winning British playwright Jonathan Harvey, the creator of Beautiful Thing, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! and Beautiful People as seen on ABC TV.

Written in 2002 and first performed at the Everyman Theatre Liverpool, the play has been a huge hit on the West End and on tour throughout the UK. The first Australian performance was in Sydney as part of the Mardi Gras Festival.

Directed by Dave Simms, Out in the Open is a contemporary caustic comedy exploring love and the limits of friendship. Dave says ‘The play is rude and very funny with terrific dialogue and tender scenes where a group of close friends realise the damage one can do by keeping secrets and telling lies.’

Out in the Open will play through the Feast Festival from 19 November – 4 December, Thursday to Saturdays at 8.00pm at Star Theatre 2, 145 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton. Sunset shows are at 6.30pm on Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23 and Sunday 28 November plus Wednesday 1 December. Previews are on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November at 8.00pm. Tickets are from $10 to $25, available from www.mixed salad.com.au or 0439 533 173.

Set over a long, hazily-hot summer weekend in the back yard of a London terrace Tony, played by Lee Cook is ready to live again after the death of his partner. But his efforts to step back onto the scene are hampered by a secret his friends, Monica (Deanna Ortuso) and Kevin (Alan Crawford) should have told him a long time ago. When Tony brings home a cute photography student from Manchester, Iggy, played by Oliver de Rohan, Frankie's mum Mary (Eleanor Boyd) and her best friend Rose (Maxine Grubel) can't cope. And over one long weekend, with the drugs and booze flowing, it isn't long before everyone's secrets and lies are dragged out in the open.

Alan Crawford, recently recorded a twelve part series "The Adventures of Fletcher Christian" for the ABC, and has had a wealth of professional experience in the UK.

Dave Simms’s recent acting roles include Hector in Mixed Salad's award-winning production of The History Boys.

Jonathan Harvey Born in Liverpool in 1968 and he wrote Out in the Open in 2001. In 1993, Harvey, premiered Beautiful Thing, a gay-themed play-turned-movie for which he won the prestigious 'John Whiting Award' the following year. His Television and film works include: West End Girls (Carlton); Love Junkie (BBC); Beautiful Thing (Channel Four/Island World Productions); the 1998 hit/cult comedy series starring Kathy Burke and James Dreyfus, Gimme Gimme Gimme (Tiger Aspect); Murder Most Horrid (BBC); and Coronation Street (ITV).

Jonathan also wrote the book for Closer to Heaven, a stage musical with songs and music written by the Pet Shop Boys. Closer to Heaven ran for nine months at the Arts Theatre in London in 2001 and recently ran in Australia in 2005.

Mixed Salad Productions is a South Australian theatre company formed in 2003. Since their first production of Love! Valour! Compassion!, Mixed Salad has won multiple awards and gained a reputation for staging brave and new work in South Australia.

Hits such as Five women wearing the same dress, Torch Song Trilogy, The History Boys and Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune have definitely put Mixed Salad Productions on the map!

Intimate conversation

Audiences may feel they're overhearing an intimate conversation between friends while watching the latest production from Mixed Salad Productions.

An honest and raw account of love and loss, Out in the Open centres around Tony, who is ready to move on with his life after the loss of his partner.

While the story covers deep issues such as grief, the show is full of hilarious (and rude) moments.

Oliver de Rohan, who plays photography student Iggy, says the story uncovers a real 'human truth'. "People will recognise themselves in it," de Rohan, of Colonel Light Gardens, says.

This is the South Australian premiere of Jonathan Harvey's play, having appeared as part of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival in 2004.

The show, which features gay characters, is very "topical", says Lee Cook, who plays Tony.

"I think Adelaide's craving for different plays and different topics," Cook of Norwood says. "It's refreshing for Adelaide theatre to have a company like Mixed Salad...they do these plays a lot of people stray from."

Cooks says anyone, gay or straight, will be able to identify with the characters. "It doesn't pull away from the fact that it's still someone dealing with grief and loss."

Pairing grief with humour has been a challenge, but a welcome one, Cook says."I'm amazed how the playwright has managed to combine grief and loss and lies...with bloody brilliant comedy."

Sophie Perri - 3 November 2010

A credit to Mixed Salad Productions

Out in the Open by Jonathan Harvey is the universal tale of relationships, love, loss and lies.

The story centers on Tony, a middle aged man who lives with his mate Kevin. Tony has recently lost his long time love, Frankie in a freak accident, and with the support and love of his Mother-in-law Mary and friends, is trying to get back onto the dating scene 6 months after the incident.

The setting is Tony’s back yard, and the show opens with the introduction of Iggy, a young man down from Manchester that Tony has met in the bar and brought back to his flat.

Beating at the heart of this play is a question of friendship. What would you say to a good friend, and what would you keep from them? If you thought you were protecting them would it be ok to lie?

The story is played out in a stunning and moving performance by all the actors. The audience is taken on an emotional journey with plenty of crass humour thrown in to keep the subtext light, and remind us that even in the worst of times there is always a funny side, and that you can never be prepared for what life is going to throw at you.

In the lead role Lee Cook is superb. Cook is pragmatic in the role of Tony, and the only character that appears to be remotely normal, holding it all together until the very end. Oliver de Rohan as Iggy is suitably puritanical, until he reveals his true self in a dramatic twist. As mother-in-law Mary, Eleanor Boyd is mesmerizing to watch. Her characterization is faultless, and flows with pure naturalism. Boyd’s, Mary is puerile, but with a heart of gold, a juxtaposition which reveals her insecurities such that the audience can only feel for her circumstances.

Alan Crawford as best mate Kevin is secretly in love with Tony. Kevin is irascible and bitchy, and never misses a chance to snap at Monica, played by Deanna Ortuso. Both Ortuso and Crawford give solid performances, demonstrating moments of brilliance amongst an already strong cast lineup.

Maxine Grubel as Rose is one of the smaller rolls of the show, but Grubel is not afraid to put her stamp on the few scenes she has. Drunkenly stumbling into her scenes with an air of “Kath and Kym” she gives a nice characterization.

This production directed by Dave Simms is a credit to Mixed Salad Productions, and one which everyone should see if they get the chance.

Paul Rodda, 23 November 2010

Bury good fun

What a tangled web British playwright Jonathan Harvey has weaved in this big, chilled, gay drama.

In a garden with fairy lights, a white picket fence and home truths, Tony is still coming to terms with the loss of his partner six months earlier.

Director Dave Simms has assembled a strong cast for this often outrageous look at Tony and the late Frankie's friends' and family's attempts to bury the past.

Lee Cook is excellent as the grief-stricken Tony who is having trouble reconnecting with the real world, and admitting that death papers over a lot of cracks.

Alan Crawford is ideal as Tony's protective housemate Kevin and Deanna Ortuso is a riot as his other best mate Monica, but both have been hiding the truth about Frankie.

Oliver de Rohan with an irregular accent does well as Tony's new acquaintance Iggy, Eleanor Boyd is achingly good as Frankie's smothering mother and Maxine Grubel has a ball as her slaphappy slapper mate Rose.

Act One take a while to get going but the show really hits its stride in the powerful Act Two as Tony comes to terms with Frankie's legacy and finds the strength to move on.

Matt Byrne, 28 November 2010

Farce brings secrets out in the open

English playwright Jonathan Harvey often grazes in the verdant fields of the gay community, with plays like Beautiful Thing and Out in the Open.

More recently it has been on TV, notably the popular Beautiful People.

Out in the Open dates from 2001, when Harvey was honing his skills as a TV writer, and it shows in the timing, which would translate very nicely to telemovie land.

Tony is back on to the scene after the death of his lover (who was struck by lightning) though fussing friends and in-laws aren't making it easy.

His first trick turns out to be his late lover's other partner, whom the friends know about and recognise, whereupon they set about ensuring the liaison goes no further. Crashing in and out is the fantastically foul-mouthed Mary, still mourning the death of her beloved son. Profound it isn't.

Dave Simms directs this romp, with all its farce, physical comedy, crossed wires, love and lust. The cast is excellent.

Lee Cook as Tony is vulnerable but with a hidden resolve. The lover, Iggy, is perceptively played by Oliver de Rohan. Friend Kevin is a complex role, given depth by Alan Crawford.

The flighty Monique is played for keeps by Deanna Ortuso who is at times screamingly funny.

Mary's friend Rose, though under-developed as a character, is riotously dry in Maxine Grubel's hands. But Mary, one of the monumental scene-steals in the right hands, is possessed by Eleanor Boyd whose performance alone is worth the price of a ticket.

Peter Burdon, 23 November 2010

Rabbits crap everywhere

This maxim was printed on the t-shirt of the man deployed at the Box Office of the Star Theatre. It is a quote from the play. I tried, briefly, to decode it – because rabbits crap everywhere, don't be surprised if one craps on your foot?

Gratefully, with a dramatic context came clarification. Rabbits are cute but they still do crap things - like crap everywhere. Jonathan Harvey's play, adroitly reprised here by the Mixed Salad team, is a long and vibrant variation on the old saying 'Don't judge a book by its cover' (or a bunny by its fluff).

It is that aged and addled tussle between appearance and reality that is at the crux of this affecting and well-charged comedy, set in a London back-garden in 2000. The pivotal relationship between Tony (Lee Cook) and Iggy (Oliver de Rohan) may be a homosexual one, and the predicament the two men face (they strike up a romance in the wake of a mutual lover's death) may be unique to same-sex affairs, but the play is by no means a gay-play. Indeed, issues pertaining to homosexuality are carefully peripheral here: that Tony is HIV positive is only ever alluded to; Mary, mother of Frankie, the dead ex-lover of Tony, touches on the emotional difficulty of raising a gay son; playwright Harvey gently rebukes stereotypical presentations of gay men as 'unscrupulous' queens. What is brought out into the open is less sexuality and more truth - that 'Elusive Camel', to borrow a reference from the play.

Director Dave Simms has orchestrated a diverse exhibition of acting styles and tones. Lee Cook plays Tony with deft and understated assurance, providing a vital counterpoint to the more ribald performances: Eleanor Boyd as loquacious cockney Mary; Deanna Ortuso as Monica, an aspiring performance-poet whose personality and chest are equally up-front; Alan Crawford does calm acidity very, very well as Tony's covetous flatmate Kevin; and Maxine Grubel is all boom and bust as straighttalking boozer Rose. Well-spaced and well-paced, and with Harvey's engaging and acerbic dialogue to boot, the play offers a diverting, if not ground-breaking, traipse through a back-garden in bloom with skeletons and secrets.

And it is quite a garden. The set, built by Bill Ramsay, is nicely suggestive and in-keeping with the fibres of the play. The abundance of flowers clashes with the moods of this grieving and dysfunctional garden party; and the white fence, manufactured decking, and artificial lawn all echo the text's concern with entrapment and falsity. Considered next to the colossal waste of money which was the State Theatre Company's set for 'The Give and Take' (the cost of which might have subsidised half a dozen smaller theatre companies for a year), the set, and the play's production values more broadly, are deserving of considerable praise.

As Tony finally breaks out of his garden and into the open (well, Manchester), leaving Mary to see in another lonely summer dusk, the audience leak contentedly out into the theatre foyer, where they reflect on an old theme (appearance v reality) energetically and skillfully revived.

Ben Aitken, 22 November 2010