Review: Page 8

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POSTED: 26 OCTOBER 2009

Page 8, by Louis Nowra & David Page

Company B | Belvoir Street Theatre, Surry Hills, Sydney | Until 1 November

Given David Page’s illustrious background in music, dance and theatre, I thought that this one-man show would be a scintillating visual and aural treat. And how right I was. For nearly an hour-and-a-half, Page held the audience spellbound with a very personal mix of singing, dancing, storytelling and home movies.

What I didn’t know was what a wonderful story he had to tell and how skilfully he could tell it, though I should have realised that Louis Nowra, one of Australia’s most highly regarded playwrights, wouldn’t have collaborated in the project if there wasn’t plenty to tell.

Another clue should have been that the show’s directorship is in the hands of David’s brother, Stephen Page, whose credits include nearly 20 years as Artistic Director for Bangarra Dance Theatre and major roles in choreographing the opening and closing ceremonies at the Sydney Olympics.

David Page was the eighth born — hence the show’s title — into a “mob” of 12 kids growing up in a Housing Commission subdivision in Brisbane’s Mount Gravatt.

Nothing unusual about that, at least until you start scratching the surface and discover what a wonderful family it is and what an extraordinary life David has had.

Winning a talent quest at the local pub led to a contract with Atlantic Records, to releasing a couple of records, and to appearances on Countdown and The Paul Hogan Show. Then came the day David’s voice broke and phase one of his career was over.

He worked for his father on building sites, pouring tonnes of concrete, and moonlighting with a punk rock band and as a drag artist — nice legs, tight bum, shame about the face! Just joking, it’s actually a very fine face for a fella.

And then it was off to Adelaide to study saxophone, voice and composition at the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music — a move that marked the beginning of a stellar career involving Bangarra, Aboriginal and Islander Dance Theatre, Sydney Dance Company, The Australian Ballet and scores of TV and film productions.

But Page 8 isn’t about that stellar career. It’s primarily about family, about a loving — if sometimes troubled — family, about the experience of growing up, about sexual awakening, about the joys and tragedies of life.

This really is must-see theatre. Don’t miss it. You’ll laugh a lot, you may even cry a little. But, above all, you’ll be totally captivated by David Page’s charm, talent and brutal honesty as he opens his soul to the world.

Deadly stuff from someone who has four Deadly Sound Awards to his name.

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