The Realistic Joneses

Red Stitch Theatre’s latest production, The Realistic Joneses, is a stripped back but cleverly comical look at the big questions in life…Am I happy? Will everything be okay? Is this where I want to be in life? Milk Bar Mag was invited to attend the opening night, and was greeted by a dimly lit stage with minimal props, only adding to the melancholic mood.

Will Eno’s wry comedy follows the story of two couples. We first encounter Bob and Jennifer Jones – a middle-aged couple struggling with a debilitating communication breakdown – in the backyard, attempting to find that ‘spark’ that has evidently evaporated. Despite the tranquil surrounds, the pair are unable to effectively express themselves – their thoughts or true feelings. Suddenly, their more-trivial-than-profound conversation is disrupted with the arrival of John and Pony Jones, a younger couple who have rented the house next door, and it soon becomes clear that the two couples share more than a last name…

At its core, The Realistic Joneses is an examination of everyday people dealing with their own mortality – how they support their loved ones through times of illness and what they’re willing to sacrifice just see them get better. Sarah Sutherland is a star performer playing Jennifer with such passion and ferocity. It’s especially heartbreaking to witness her sadness, social awkwardness and her willingness to re-connect with Bob. Her wariness of Bob and Pony’s burgeoning connection is a powerful performance.

Named ‘Best Play’ on Broadway by USA Today, head down to the Red Stitch Theatre to check out the premiere of its Australian adaptation. Enjoy!

The Realistic Joneses  
Red Stitch Theatre, 2 Chapel Street, St Kilda East
Till Wednesday, 28 May 2017
redstitch.net