Not Done Yet, Ripe for Action

by | Feb 3, 2025

By Karyn Lee Greig

Baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1964. According to liveaboutdotcom, some common workplace values are that they are ‘workaholic, independent and self-assertive . . . . competitive and self-actualised. As they age, they are changing people’s perceptions about what it means to grow older, including working either full or part-time longer than those who came before them and making great efforts to keep an active social life. They are less passionate about global issues than younger generations and more pragmatic when it comes to buying decisions (SeniorLiving.org). In the US 9 in 10 baby boomers rate their mental wellbeing as being good or very good which is significantly higher than younger generations.’

These ideas are encapsulated in this show through a delightful array of scenes, vignettes and songs. Presented by 5 boomers and one not quite a boomer, this show is a comedy feast. Each actor has their scenes – some are surreal, some absurd, some clever, even touching. Mazz, interacting with the audience, is memorably ‘forgetful’. Maggie finds her ancient doll who has had lashes and hair pulled out by her brother. It helps her remember how much she has developed as a person since she was that upset child who didn’t ‘react’. Kym, the only male, relates a very funny piece about genitalia left on public transport. One of the many memorable refrains is that ‘we’ve got expertise we’re finding useful still’ such as being able to use typewriters. ‘Sometimes I feel as though I just want to grab my vulva and throw it over there’.

Music and song feature in this show. Andrea, from Germany, appears as a Brunhilde-like character from Wagner’s 4-part opera, The Ring of the Nibelung – except that she’s singing about operating a microwave – ‘1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 – what do they mean? Pizza, potatoes, ping, ping, ping!’ An impressively absurd sound/action sequence between River and Andrea follows, creating a ‘nightmare with chook’. Lulu’s poignant anecdote about her sporting experiences, though brief, were memorable. One of the funniest lines of the night for me, was from Kym: ‘Most male fashion models look like they’ve had a frontal lobotomy’.

This fearless group met through a community performance designed by Pony Cam Collective in 2023. They had such an enjoyable experience together, that they developed Not Done Yet as a result. With its opportunities for audience participation, we laugh relentlessly.

Most of the actors are experienced theatre practitioners: Mazz Ryan’s gentle absurdity is touching. River Romano Leuzzi provides a gutsy physicality to the show. Kym Tonkin, whom I understand, was a gifted teacher of children with disabilities, provides his own absurd brand of humour, alluding to incidents below the waist. Andrea Reichert, once a classical singer, adds some nutty vocal segments. Maggie Brown is a charming performer all round, and LuLu LaLa , as her name indicates, has a mischievous sparkle in everything she does. The child in these actors is ever present, often expressed through their hair – pigtails, plaits, vibrant pink. John Bolton, as director, pulls the whole thing together beautifully.

There were two brief ‘ho-hum’ moments for me – one was the reference to menopause and the other, the granny pants. Both are clichéd and seen too often elsewhere, in contrast to the other unique material in the show. The rap, as funny as it was, could do with a little more rehearsal.

A show doesn’t have to be super polished with expensive production values to be a great night in the theatre. This is a great night in the theatre. Catch it if you haven’t.

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