Review: Radio

Radio by Al Smith
Gemeinschaft Dogs in association with Tamarama Rock Surfers
Old Fitzroy Theatre


The Old Fitzroy has had a pretty hit and miss year so far. But what is really working in the space in the underbelly of the fantastic old pub in the middle of Woolloomooloo is monologues.

Earlier this year they had a hit with the New Zealand play The Packer and now they have drawn together another quality monologue performance with Radio.

Born in the American mid-west in the exact mid-point of the twentieth century we are introduced to Charles Lebanon Fairbanks Jnr (Andrew Bibby) a suitably patriotic young American who grows up in the cushioned world of small time America during a nostalgic age when innocence and honesty were the assumed hall marks of the American national character.

Charles lives an almost utopian existence with his father and mother on a property in Kansas. Suddenly, someone from some government department work out that Charles and his family live the geographic centre of the country.

A junk yard mound in the front of their house soon becomes an icon as photo hungry tourists line up to be seen in the mid point of the great American nation. The family start making American flags to sell to the tourists and soon the poor and humble family are making more money than they could ever imagine.

But then one day, despite the fame, Charles' father decides that the family should pick and leave the tourist attraction home and head north to the cold flats of Dakota. Finding another property, much to the furious opposition of Charles' mother they move in to another small town.

To the surprise of everyone, Alaska joins the union as the 49th state in 1959 moving the geographic centre to - you guessed it - their house. The flag selling family continue their very profitable little industry.

As the Vietnam War approaches Charles is drafted into the army and is packed off to fight the Communists from where he is delivering the monologue.

Addressed to some lost love, Charles recounts his families existence, the funny and sad memories and finally the lost innocence of Vietnam.

Written by a young Scottish playwright it offers a very simple and elegant portrayal of America personified by young Charles. Unfortunately the metamorphosis that the country (and Charles) goes through with Vietnam is not explored further and leaves the story hanging in a world that is a little naive and lacking that extra oomph.

Nicely performed by Andrew Bibby, this is a good and solid production that works extremely well in the space with a simply effective design by Travis Green. It could have a been easily over-produced and over-performed, but this a play that is quietly contemplative and well delivered.


Until 20th September
Old Fitzroy Theatre
129 Dowling St
Woolloomooloo NSW
$16-24 plus bkng fee
Bookings 1300 438 849 or rocksurfers.org