Queensland Theatre Company’s production, A Few Good Men is being presented at Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s Playhouse Theatre.
Not having seen the film, I was reliant upon following the unfolding plot. I found that advantageous as I was riveted by the performance and oblivious as to how it would all end.
Written when he was aged 28 in 1989, A Few Good Men was Aaron Sorkin’s [*] big breakthrough work. The play became a Broadway hit that same year. The film premiering in 1992, starred Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore.
A military/legal drama, it was actually inspired by a real life incident told to Sorkin by his sister, who was a ‘JAG’ lawyer for the US Navy. The setting is Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba.
Deep inside the culture of the US Marine Corp is an unsanctioned form of punishment termed a ‘Code Red’. It’s a harsh, feared discipline imposed upon a Marine who is viewed as lagging behind by his comrades.
The unexpected death of a teenage Marine, Santiago, has occurred and the incident is under internal investigation. Two other young Marines, Downey and Dawson have been arrested and incarcerated.
Santiago, who was only 18, had repeatedly requested a transfer. He was being targeted by others who viewed his daily efforts as substandard. Whether or not a transfer was approved, and how he died are issues under scrutiny.
Directed by Daniel Evans, this is a tremendous and powerful production! It’s gripping, intense and weighted with dramatic complexity. It’s authenticity is compelling.
I felt like I’d somehow landed amongst an American, military coverup. During the courtroom scenes, I didn’t doubt that I was in the public gallery during proceedings.
The staging and set design convincingly evoke a military environment and formal courtroom atmosphere. The uniforms by Simone Romaniuk look strikingly authentic. The American accents sound genuine. Dialogue coach, Gabrielle Rogers is to be applauded.
Lighting Designer, Ben Hughes and Sound Designer, Mike Willmett have excelled in their technical roles. Nothing is static or still. The lighting and sound effects combine to add both drama and militaristic authenticity.
The use of blazing, blinding lights felt authoritative and probing. They contrast with the darkened areas guarded by strong, shadowy, armed figures.
The suicidal gunshot scene involving Captain Markinson (Hugh Parker) looks and sounds scarily real. The sudden slow-mo moments contrast effectively with the fast paced dialogue. Those rhythmic marching songs remain in my head.
The set changes are carried out with military precision and grand display. Vocal delivery of the speedy dialogue is rapid but clear and believable.
The acting and characterisation is outstanding. There are standout performances by several: George Pullar as Lt. j.g. Kaffee, Jeremiah Wray as Lt Kendrick, Doran Chester as Lt. Sam Weinberg and the sole female, Courtney Cavallaro as Lt. Cmdr. Joanne Galloway.
Hayden Spencer is a formidable figure as Lt. Col. Nathan Jessep. He dominates the stage in every scene into which strides, emanating power and unquestionable command. The line, ‘You can’t handle the truth!’ landed with brutal force.
As the Accused, Reagan Mannix (Pfc. Downey) and Donne Ngabo (Lance Cpl. Dawson) were achingly compelling. As the drama played out, I hoped in vain for their vindication and continuation in the Corp.
In addition to the deceased, Santiago, the characters of Downey and Dawson are central to the complex issues being examined. The trio are very young. They have chosen a demanding but noble career path. Their lives should be ahead of them, not ending in sudden death or dishonour.
Clearly, Dawson has depth and integrity. He is devoted to the Marine Corp and is the kind of fighter it’s good to have around. He has leadership qualities. Downey is anxious but loyal. With time and maturity, he may have amounted to something good and strong.
Instead, their lives are forever blighted and Santiago is forever dead. The situation calls into question the ethical and militaristic complexities of chain of command. Subordinate obedience versus moral hesitancy.
A Few Good Men is a challenging and complex theatrical undertaking. Queensland Theatre Company have successfully and flawlessly delivered a powerful production. Highly recommended!
A Few Good Men
Playhouse – QPAC, Cultural Precinct, South Bank (Brisbane)
Performance: Thursday 27 November 2025
Season continues to 7 December 2025
Information and Bookings: www.queenslandtheatre.com.au
Images: The Company of A Few Good Men – photo by Stephen Henry | George Pullar, Reagan Mannix and Donné Ngabo – photo by Stephen Henry | Chris Alosio, Hayden Spencer and Jimi Bani – photo by Stephen Henry | George Pullar, Doron Chester and Courtney Cavallaro – photo by Stephen Henry | Courtney Cavallaro, George Pullar, Donné Ngabo, Reagan Mannix, Sami Afuni, Doron Chester, Jeremiah Wray and Hayden Spencer – photo by Stephen Henry
Review: Michele-Rose Boylan
Note: * Sorkin became a prolific, successful writer for film, TV and theatre. His film, The Social Network won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2010.