References

• Prick The Musical Date of Show: Friday, 6th December 2013 (All day) Venue: Athenaeum Theatre Written by Tracey Harvey, Prick The Musical had some short but successful runs in small and intimate venues. Although it received positive reviews, there was further development of the script before it was time to bring it to a bigger stage for a longer season – this time being Melbourne's Athenaeum Theatre. From the opening number, it was clear that this was going to be a fast paced show, full of one-liners. It was also clear the sound was going to be a problem. Many of the lines in the opening number, which was setting the scene for the rest of the show, could not be heard, whether that was due to muted microphones or soft volumes against the loud musical backing. While the opening number was bright and catchy, we missed much of the lyrics; at least those of us sitting in the dress circle did. Although there was some improvement in the sound through certain songs, the problems persisted, including faulty microphones (requiring a hand-held microphone to brought in from off stage.) These things can happen – but on this opening night there just seemed to be a lot of these things happening. When lines were heard, there were laughs. The next problem, however, being the fact a number of the cast did not pause for the audience response and the next lines were missed as some cast spoke through the laughter. The result of these problems meant some of the story telling was missed and certain lines fell flat. However, despite the problems, this musical did make me laugh. I am probably the ideal target audience for this show. Harvey said they had specifically marketed the show at women over 30 – even better if they work in the health system – which is exactly me. It is clear from the script that Harvey has been paying astute attention during her time working as a ward clerk in Melbourne's busy Alfred Hospital. The story lines and characters were spot on. So good in fact, that it's possible many of the audience members could not have appreciated certain elements of the humour. From the knife yielding and bare bottomed psychotic patient, to the broken lift, to the crap coffee, to the privatisation discussions of sending the really sick patients “down the road” to the receptionist who cleans the fridge and can probably do everything, Harvey has brilliantly presented life in our busy public hospitals. But unless you are personally dealing with the broken lifts, bare bottomed patients, crap coffee and being in that hospital down the road where the private hospitals send the really sick patients (and the receptionist who will ensure the fridge is kept clean and don't you dare put anything in there without a label) then it's possible you wouldn't realise just how much a reflection of everyday work life this really is. You also probably wouldn't appreciate how good it is to be able to sick back and laugh about it all. I do admit I was laughing out loud at times in the show when clearly no one around me was laughing and I suspect they were wondering just what was so funny. Harvey wanted to write a musical that would honour those working in the public health system – what she has achieved is a show that will provide a lot of light relief for health workers. In fact, the storyline of Joey with his broken penis is actually quite mild compared to some of the stories she could have used. Seriously much, much milder. Prick The Musical is the ideal after work event for a group of nurses. The advertising for the show reads, “love can mend a broken willy,” so I pleased to hear the show used correct anatomical terms rather than the inappropriate slang terms that would not be uttered within the corridors of a hospital. The story reminds me of a merging of The Young Doctors, Carry On Doctor and Doctor in The House … which means the target audience are probably more likely to be women in at least their mid 40s who would remember these shows and appreciate the humour of that era. The experience of Gareth Keegan (Pirates of Penzance, Moonshadow, Next to Normal) really shone through and his role as leading man Joey Sparks, allowed him to maximise this talent. Although confined to a wheelchair or trolley for most of the show, he still demonstrated his athletic prowess with some impressive manoeuvres in the wheelchair. With a superb voice, clear diction and a charisma to suit his tv personality character, Keegan is ideal in the role. In the role of receptionist Connie, relatively newcomer Stella Angelico, brought a voice to match Keegan's powerhouse, and the two balanced well. Harvey plays Nurse Wendy Webster. From the moment she appeared on stage (okay, the second time she appeared because most of the audience hadn't noticed her in the opening scene) she received a huge applause and it was clear she had a lot of fans present. With her trademark smile, it was hard at times to take her snarling looks seriously. The choice of costume was a little perplexing – more dominatrix than dominating nurse unit manager. It may have been funnier if this had been hiding beneath a more conservative outfit and revealed later in the show. While known for her comedy routines, I was pleasantly surprised by Harvey's singing voice. She can sing – and sing well at that. Derek Guille warmed into his role of Professor Gerald Jago, although seemed a little understated against the extremes of the other characters on stage. But the real surprise came in Troy Swindells-Grose as the self-absorbed, narcissist, Dr Kingsley. Swindells-Grose is superb, oozing confidence and charm. His song about the sun shining out of his … well I won't spoil it … is hilarious for anyone who has had the pleasure with dealing with a similar type of personality. Musically, it's a bright score with a range of styles and some catchy tunes. Due to the limited budget, the music is pre recorded, which doesn't distract from the performance. It's a quality track ready for the show to tour. Although the performance I viewed was flawed in its delivery, the story was clever and has loads of potential to develop a real cult following with just a little more refinement and attention to timing. If you work in the health system – go see this show and have a laugh at what our work can really be like.