A Stretch of the Imagination

Synopsis

A surreal, black comedy, this colourful monologue introduces us to the painfully lonely world of Monk O'Neill who invites us all to "stretch our imaginations" and find new ways of thinking about ourselves. Since it was first performed in 1972, it has been celebrated as one of the great comic creations and classics of Australian theatre.

Our Review:

30 June 2010

Welcome to the middle of nowhere, a one-tree hill in rural Australia where Monk O’Neill lives out a hot, painful and nostalgia-filled existence. A plot summary is difficult, quite simply because there isn’t one. We watch Monk as he grunts and groans, discussing his seemingly close demise and recalling his past loves and tales.

As the air conditioning grinds to a halt at the start of the play, Monk complains of the heat and we are transported to the Australian desert with him. While incredibly effective in getting people in the right frame of mind, by the end of the long first act, the action is lost on the audience who can think of nothing but the heat.

Mark Little, best known for his role as Joe Mangel in Neighbours, is likeable, witty and vulgar in equal measure, his role made all the more realistic for the soaring heat within the theatre. Although his habit of playing up to particular audience members when a joke receives a laugh is somewhat dist...

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Latest User Review

Deb Skelton - 14 July 2010:

This production, performed, directed and designed by Mark Little is quite amazing. Your reviewer should go back to her day job!...

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