The Perth Classic Theatre Festival turns to fluff with There’s Always Juliet.

John Van Druten’s There’s Always Juliet is a trifle of a comedy about a fun-loving London socialite whose attitude towards romantic love is turned upside down when she meets a young American visitor at a tea party.

It’s a rather peculiar choice for Perth’s Classic Theatre Festival, which is unabashedly populist but also dedicated to quality entertainment from the so-called Golden Age of Broadway and London theatre. But There’s Always Juliet, a failure in New York when it premiered there in 1932, is so slight, insubstantial and forgettable that it scarcely seems worth doing.

At Perth it’s the charm factor that rescues it — the charming chemistry that exists between Victoria Houser, as Leonora Perrycoste, a young woman who can’t make up her mind about love and commitment, and Scott Clarkson as the young American who enters her life.

Houser seizes on the script’s gentle wit and makes the most of it. And she’s delightful in conveying the volatile emotions of a young woman who can sometimes be as exasperating as she is lovable. Meanwhile, Clarkson makes his own sweet-natured contribution to the proceedings with his portrayal of a guy who really does believe in love at first sight.

Fraser Elsdon extracts some lively moments from what is essentially a stock character — the other man in Leonora’s flighty life. And Catherine Bruce is outstanding as Leonora’s all-knowing maid.

Laurel Smith’s brisk, no-nonsense direction is attentive to the material’s period requirements. So are the contributions of the designers — Renate Seiler in the costume department and Roger Schultz for his terrific recreation of a posh Thirties flat.

Considering that the play itself is somewhat less substantial than candy floss, it’s lucky to be receiving such tender, loving care.

 

The Classic Theatre Festival production of There’s Always Juliet continues in Perth to July 15.

 

Director: Laurel Smith

Set: Roger Schultz

Lighting: Wesley McKenzie

Sound: Matthew Behrens

Costumes: Renate Seiler

 

Cast:

Leonora Perrycoste………………………………….Victoria Houser

Florence…………………………………………….Catherine Bruce

Dwight Houston…………………………………….Scott Clarkson

Peter Walmsley……………………………………..Fraser Elsdon