Review: Bombshells

It’s hard not to wonder how on earth this show was ever done by one woman — though it probably helps that the one woman for whom Bombshells was originally conceived was the astoundingly talented Caroline O’Connor. I can only imagine that after performing all six characters she would have needed a Bex and a good lie down!

This current version has been adapted for three actors, a modification that allows for fast pacing and the opportunity for the actors to catch their breath from the six highly demanding, emotional and frequently hilarious personalities depicted.

These characters have arrived at defining moments in their lives, facing the uncertainty of their futures with varying degrees of optimism, spirit and humour. The audience is drawn in to their personal thoughts and struggles, and it is a credit to the actors that within limited time (about 15 to 20 minutes per monologue), engaging with the characters is not only possible, but also instantaneous.

The audience’s enjoyment and connection was apparent from the first moments, when exhausted, stressed, and frenetic “yummy mummy” (Michelle Fornasier) was shocked from her all-too-short sleep by her baby’s demands for food. This chaotic and comical portrayal is a wonderful opening, packed with the insecurities, frustration, fatigue, humour, love and self-doubt of motherhood.

Director Jenny Davis’s cactus enthusiast brings a more gentle and measured pace, mixed with pathos and clever analogy as she comes to terms with an unforeseen change in her circumstances.

Finishing the first act, Jenny McNae’s comical and energetic interpretation of a teenage talent-quest contestant displays the often frayed and fragile self-assurance of adolescence.

The second act commences with an again delightful portrayal by Michelle Fornasier of the doubting bride-to-be. Excellent comic timing and lightning pace were punctuated by moments of credible anguish.

A beautifully observed, charming performance by Jenny Davis of a somewhat surprising widow introduces a quieter moment filled with sweet humour — her story so immediately engaging I found myself disappointed when it ended. This is simultaneously what works, and what sometimes frustrates, about the monologue!

The final portrayal of a diva (Jenny McNae) battling her demons and struggling with the fleeting reality of fame was pathos personified. Perhaps it was because this followed the marvellous widow monologue, I found this character to be the least well-drawn. However, McNae still brought her diva to life with her amusing and boisterous interpretation.

I found myself distracted on occasion by chronological references that were contradictory within the time frame of individual monologues. This is a minor point but I did sometimes miss part of the action as I processed these.

The staging was effective in framing the characters and providing the minimal backdrop needed. Some lovely surprise effects added to the atmosphere.

Although I am sure that there were many in the audience who could relate to one or more of the characters from personal experience, this was not a requirement for enjoying this production. The universality of navigating everyday life, accepting or rejecting, enduring and growing, is something man or woman of any age can appreciate, especially when confronting the occasional ‘bombshell’.

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