Ron & Isobel is set during one night in the mid-70s. We know this because Gryff Connah playing Ron and Isobel’s son, Jay, with a shirt open below sea level, tells us.
We’re only a few weeks after the Whitlam government was dismissed and Ron, a staunch Labor supporter, has not been taking it well at all. Isobel, his wife, also has a lot to contend with, especially on this particular evening.
She’s upset with Ron, shocked with news from Jay and then finds herself entertaining with little notice when her and Ron host Paul and Sandra, who have only just moved into the street, for late night libations.
The play then becomes this fascinating combination of the charm and heart of The Castle and the alcohol and conflict of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (the latter difficult not to think about when after Paul and Sandra have arrived, Isobel swoops in wearing a glorious kaftan that, with her makeup, felt very Elizabeth Taylor).
While the play avoids any of Edward Albee’s emotional devastation, there’s no shortage of quarrelling, thanks mostly to Ron and Paul finding themselves on opposing political sides. Multiple loud arguments across a 70-minute show could, in less talented hands, become too declamatory or incoherent, but not here in what was a committed and fun show.
Gryff gave a good performance as Jay, conveying well the sense of Jay being a young man with his own dilemmas yet determined to strike out on his own. George Abbott and Isabella Gilbert were great in their roles of Paul and Sandra, respectively.
George did well in charting Paul’s journey from being fixated on appearances to the start of a more authentic self, while Isabella did splendid work showing Sandra finding her voice and some much needed perspective.
Alec Gilbert was outstanding as Ron, giving a performance that had no shortage of histrionics but never to the point of the audience not liking him.
Some of that is in the writing, with Anna Lall’s script giving us a Dad who’s surprising progressive considering the year the play is set. Ron may be stubborn at times, but his heart’s in the right place and Alec told a beautiful story of man who genuinely loves his family.
Natasha Broadstock gave a brilliant performance as Isobel, knitting together every sudden change and outburst into something engaging and hilarious, two adjectives you could easily use to describe the show as a whole.
Director Elizabeth Walley and her cast and crew have fashioned an excellent show that’s well worth a visit before it closes this Sunday.
Ron & Isobel
The Motley Bauhaus, 118 Elgin Street, Carlton
Performance: Wednesday 18 June 2025
Season continues to 22 June 2025
Information and Bookings: www.eventfinda.com.au
Image: Natasha Broadstock, Isabella Gilbert and George Abbott in Ron & Isobel (supplied)
Review: June Collins