Grace and Varya are close friends, working out life one wine or vodka at a time – until a drunken séance brings a naked man into their house claiming to be William Shakespeare and everything turns upside down. Written by Madeleine Withington, who also stars as titular character Grace, Wil & Grace is a quirky comedy with a lot of heart.

Set on a stage cluttered with mismatched furniture, books, plants, candles and bottles, we’re unmistakably somewhere in Sydney’s inner west. Varied and creative use of everyday sounds – thunderclaps, the tidying up of glasses and other props, and the odd bit of instrumental music transport us through several weeks, stages of grief, evolving relationships and personal growth in the space of only 85 minutes, an impressive achievement.

Each of the three-person cast is strong in their performance in delightfully wacky ways, and the bond between the actors is clear in the story they tell together. Their use of physical comedy both individually and as a group elevates the plot and enlivens the stage throughout the show.

Lead Grace is immediately lovable. A dreamer and literary fanatic, Withington’s performance beautifully captures both the light-hearted naivety and immense vulnerability of her character as she moves through stages of denial, childlike determination to believe in the impossible, desperation and acceptance.

Housemate Varya’s unfailing love for her friend so clearly drives her character that no matter what she’s saying or doing, we’re on board. Played by Suz Mawer, she’s night to Grace’s day, with a larger-than-life personality, lude jokes, and never-ending career changes from sex phone operator to spin instructor to children’s entertainer. Mawer is captivating to watch on-stage as she fearlessly exaggerates every move in a way that should be too much, but in practice is just right.

Meanwhile, Josh Shediak takes great advantage of all the opportunities the role of Wil offers. His performance is strong and motivations clear whether he’s sparring with Varya, baring his soul with Grace, or soliloquising like the Bard himself.

Shakespeare in many ways becomes the invisible fourth character of the story through Withington’s clever use of dramatic irony – we as the audience know much of what’s happening before Grace, and we root for her as she goes on the journey to realisation in front of us. Rather than alienating those in the audience without much interest in or knowledge of Shakespeare, Withington grounds her high concept storytelling in reality by poking fun at the devices her character has such reverence for, nicknaming Shakespeare ‘Willy Shakes,’ (I’ll never call him anything else ever again) swearing liberally and at one point outright slamming the plot of one of his most famous plays!

This story sets out to explore the complex web of love, loss, fear and belief in the impossible, which after two difficult years for independent theatre feels very timely and worthwhile. Wil & Grace is a triumphant debut for Withington and a spectacular return for Sydney Fringe.

Hug your friends. Call your loved ones.

Wine Pairing | Fiano

Fiano is an Italian white wine varietal similar to Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Chardonnay. It’s biggest difference from these more common varietals is its lower acidity, which reduces some of the tartness you not enjoy in your Savvy B.

Tasting Notes

Aussie Season	24 Nov to 4 Dec 2021, Fringe HQ Newtown
Ticket $	$44-50
Writer	Madeleine Withington
Director	Erica Lovell
Theatre Type & Genre	Play, Aussie, contemporary adult, independent theatre
See it if you like	quirky, heartfelt plots, outrageous acting, twists and turns, supporting independent theatre
Other Info
Wine Pairing	Fiano
Criteria for Wine Pairing	medium acidity, fresh citrus flavours, easy drinking