Heartwarming tale of friendship: World premiere of NZ play packs emotional punch

REVIEW by Olivia White 

“Light-hearted writing that packs an emotional punch” is just one thing audiences should expect when going to see Gisborne Unity Theatre’s new production of Come Along Oliver Moody. It’s written by Nick Ward and Gisborne audiences are fortunate to be the very first in the world to experience this play that explores themes of friendship — both old and new. 

Upon entering the black-box theatre, audiences are immediately struck by the set — a veritable dream for a hoarder. The scenes are predominantly set in Hugh Howard’s living room and the meticulous attention to detail — from the excessively cluttered walls and bookshelves to the overflowing boxes and crumb-strewn, musty carpet — creates the impression of a once-loved home now fallen into disrepair, paving the way for the story to come. The meticulous attention to detail brings authenticity to the setting, making the world of the play feel vividly real, revealing intriguing details with every closer inspection. A keen eye will also see a tribute to Norman Maclean, whom the season is dedicated to. 

The production stands out for its clever use of split staging, which adds a dynamic visual element and enhances the storytelling. The lighting is expertly employed by Colin Olsen and Fraser Grout to mark the passage of time, ensuring the audience stays connected to the unfolding story without getting lost in scene changes. The technical approach to cover the mixed-media platforms is impressive, seamlessly integrating with the narrative without overwhelming it. 

Hugh Howard, the reclusive and dry-humoured writer, is masterfully portrayed by Hugo McGuinness, who vividly captures Hugh’s personal growth throughout the show. 

Sam Millar portrays the young, creative Annie Dawes with remarkable realism, capturing both her strength and rawness. 

Robbie Bloomfield’s portrayal of Albert Masoe offers a refreshing and authentic take on the “Kiwi bloke” archetype on stage. 

The dialogue between the actors feels refreshingly conversational, adding to the play’s relatable charm. It’s clear that Come Along Oliver Moody is imbued with a lot of heart, combining a quirky sense of humour with poignant themes. 

The performance is polished, yet retains a rawness that feels genuine and natural. Staging and directing choices by Jill White, particularly for the letter reading and audiobook scenes, are executed with finesse with beautiful offstage voices, contributing to the overall seamless flow. The pacing is well-managed, keeping the audience engaged throughout. 

A particular highlight is the plot twist, which elicited an audible gasp from the audience — a testament to its impactful delivery. While scene changes could have been slightly quicker to maintain the momentum and to avoid the audience getting distracted by the action onstage, this minor issue is easily overshadowed by the play’s many strengths. 

Overall, Come Along Oliver Moody is a heartwarming and quirky production that underscores the importance of human connection, leaving a lasting impression with its blend of humour, emotion, and authentic storytelling. But  ... who is Oliver Moody? 

Be part of the world premiere of Gisborne Unity Theatre’s Come Along Oliver Moody, August 30 - September 7. Tickets online at eventfinda and i-Site. 

- Olivia’s review is of the dress rehearsal on Thursday.