Day After Night

Overview

Impossible dreams take place in a world knocking innocence, a world that throws you when searching for love. Harry wants a baby. David does not. This is a story of today. This is a story of gay love.

Larger than life queen Harry (Kinlich Anstiss) feels a baby would complete his world and their love, but partner David (Paul Harrop) is not willing to forgo his freedom, not even for Harry. Harry seeks solace in his friend Blanche (Jess Holly Bates) who wants to help, but she doesn't have things all figured out either.

Day After Night, the first feature length musical from independent company Theatre of Love, examines the demise of Harry and David's relationship, exploring themes which are both relevant and poignant in today's world, and they don't just apply to gay relationships either.

The sobering reality of communication breakdowns, deception and cheating are approached with humour and irony, creating a lively and entertaining performance, complete with mandatory sequins and drag queen drama. Writer and composer Benjamin Cleaver's witty numbers like 'Open Relationship' and the ironic centrepiece, 'A Gay Wedding' carry and expand the themes in a light-hearted way, and keep up the pace of this oddball production.

An ambitious production which swings between sung and spoken dialogue, to song and dance numbers, Day After Night is certainly a fresh and entertaining take on the difficulties of existence and acceptance in today's world. 'The Pretties' are dynamic in their roles as chorus girls, stage hands and individual characters. Director James Wenley makes good of the basement's particular setting and the lighting is also used to good effect, especially to highlight the entirely appropriate attire.

Despite the conviction of the characters and their ability to tell a genuinely moving story, there are moments which lack balance and unfortunately the musical side seems to lose out. Musicals are complex  and though Day After Night is successful in many ways, the performance as a whole lacked the vocal strength and polish to give it a really finished feel. However, in saying that, the production has clear potential and can only improve from here on.

Kooky, funny and definitely different, Day After Night has much to offer, and seeing as the continuation of this production is largely dependent on audience contribution, I highly recommend you head along.