BWW Reviews: Marshall Napier's FREAK WINDS Is A Frightening Warning Not to Intrude on Strangers.

Thursday 12 March 2015, Old Fitz Theatre, Woolloomooloo

Red line Productions brings back Marshall Napier's twisted thriller FREAK WINDS to the Old Fitz Theatre, 16 years after it debuted at the same venue. Napier reprises his role as Ernest and is joined by Ben O'Toole and Anna Bamford in this production, updated to incorporate Napier's recent injury.

The intimate warehouse space of the Old Fitz Theatre is transformed by set and costume designer Lisa Mimmocchi, into a suburban home with stairs from a front door leading down into a below ground living room with red water damaged walls, high windows letting in light from the street above and old furniture belonging to another era, complete with a brass ashtray stand, chaise lounge, retro radio and Bakelite rotary phone. As thunder and lightning crashes outside, the elderly resident, Ernest (Napier), relaxing on the lounge is awoken by the doorbell as the radio plays Glen Miller's In The Mood. His frailty is evident as he uses a Zimmer frame to move around and make his way to the door intercom to reluctantly open the door for the unexpected Henry Crumb (O'Toole) who claims to have an appointment to talk to the resident about insurance.

It's here, as radio announces that a severe storm is lashing the city, warning residents to stay indoors, and Henry's car is destroyed by a falling tree, with his iPhone in it, that the questions start arising. O'Toole gives Henry the energy of a young salesman eager to sell his product but also caught up in the fact that his car is written off and he has no means of contacting the outside world as the phone line is dead as he switches back and forth from calm, persuasive sales mode to frantic distressed anger. As Henry stays in the house longer, he observes things that heighten the anxiety including meeting the bizarre, wheelchair bound, Myra (Bamford).

Napier and Bamford have created a peculiar pair that is set in their delusions that change at an instant from acting as friends, father and daughter, legal counsel and lovers, drawing Henry into their games. Napier's Ernest seems a little contrived as if even his fits of anger are only part of the game as he holds gestures that seem too forced and deliberate a moment too long after releasing a tirade. His depiction of a troubled man, affected by the death of his child and wife does appear sincere as he reacts to discussion of his loss. Bamford pretty young appearance adds to the impression that she is innocent but as her personality flips and she starts revealing things, the contrast between what she is saying stands out even more against the image she is presenting, raising suspicions. The alteration of Ernest's position as an able bodied man to one reliant on walking aids has potentially altered the original storyline, thus creating a less defined candidate for suspicion and therefore keeping the audience guessing.

This performance, presented in two acts, has a few odd discrepancies beyond the madness of the actual content, such as the appearance of a second wheel chair after intermission, even though it is apparently supposed to be a continuation of the earlier scene. There are also frustrating moments, similar to horror movies, where as a viewer you feel like screaming, try the intercom door opener to escape and climb the stairs to get away from the disabled attacker.

This performance will captivate as the audience tries to make sense of what is unfolding as well as shock as the truth is finally revealed. A must see for fans of the thriller and horror genre. For those not as keen on the scary stuff, still go, but take a friend or partner whose shoulder you can disappear into when necessary.

FREAK WINDS

10 March - 11 April 2015

Old Fitz Theatre

129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo NSW

Photos: Tim Levy

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