Aussie actress Georgie Parker is an unofficial national treasure, with long-running roles in shows like ‘A Country Practice’, ‘Home and Away’, and ‘All Saints’ under her belt, all while picking up two gold Logies along the way. The perennial ‘good girl’, she is enormously popular with Australian television audiences.
As well as being a star of the small screen, however, she’s also trod the boards in many theatre productions – both local and national – her latest being ‘The Great Divide’, a new play by Australia’s most successful contemporary playwright, David Williamson.
As Alex Whittle, she plays against type as a businesswoman and developer who constantly has her eye on her next million … or billion. Here, she has landed in Wallis Heads, a sleepy, undeveloped coastal town. Whittle plans to transform it into a “lifestyle Nirvana” worthy of luring those wealthy holidaymakers weary of Noosa and the Gold Coast to come and spend their millions.
A fight on her hands
She has the local council on side, including former copper-turned-mayor Alan Bridger (John Wood). Standing in her way however is Penny Poulter, a supermarket worker single mum who decides to run for mayor in order to thwart Alex’s plans. Add to the mix Alex’s secretary Grace who has had enough of being bullied by her boss; Penny’s star surfer daughter, Rachel; and the scrupulous local newspaper editor, Brian – and things begin to get interesting.
Parker is compelling as Whittle (“Do you have to tell me I’m a horrible person? I know that and I really quite like it”). The rest of the cast give her strong support.
Worthy of special mention however playing Rachel is actress Caitlin Burley, making her Ensemble debut. Despite being in her twenties, Burley convincingly embodies a 17-year-old with her lingo, attitude (tough but needy underneath), mannerisms and even way of walking. She is so desperate to leave sleepy Wallis Heads for the pro surfing circuit that we can almost taste her desperation along with the salt on her skin.
‘The Great Divide’ is quite wordy and feels a bit dense in dialogue. It could perhaps have benefitted from a couple of scenes where physicality played more of a part to provide contrast from all the conversations taking part within the same set. It is, however, extremely topical, dealing as it does with Australia’s cost of living and housing crises and showcasing both fresh and beloved Aussie talent.
‘The Great Divide’
Ensemble Theatre
Until 27 April, 2024
ensemble.com.au
