The Vegemite Tales, which has been described as the Antipodean’s answer to Friends, delves into the lives of a group of young Antipodeans colonising a West London flat, capturing what it’s like to 'up sticks’ and move to the other side of the world - Sam's thinking about going home, Maddie's thinking about Dan, Dan's thinking with the wrong head and Eddie's not really thinking at all, Gemma's facing the biggest decision of her stay in London and Jane just wants the toilet bowl to be clean.
Reprising his role as Dan is Blair McDonough who played Stuart Parker in Neighbours for over four years after coming second in the original Australian Big Brother. Blair is also well known from appearances in Safari School and Sky One’s The Match. Joining him, and making his West End debut, is Jonathon Dutton as Eddie. Jonathon played Tad Reeves in Neighbours for four years before landing the role of David in two series of the BBC’s Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps.
Cast also includes Jessica Gerger, Andy Leonard, Andrew Robb, Anna Skellern and Josephine Taylor.
Review
From Friends to Two Pints of Lager the loves and lives of a group of twentysomethings have proved a hit with TV viewers, but can such an idea work on the stage? After watching The Vegemite Tales the answer has to be a resounding "yes"!
The intimacy of the theatre, especially one such as The Venue, means the audience is physically close to the protagonists, giving the feeling that you are almost in the living room of their house share with them. The talented and likeable cast bring recognisable characters to life, and by the end of the play the audience has been moved to both laughter and tears by their stories.
Many of the cast, including Neighbours' Blair McDonough, have performed in previous runs of The Vegemite Tales and it shows, as the actors are at ease with their characters and fellow cast members. New additions, such as Jonathon Dutton, blend in effortlessly with the established cast.
Although largely considered a play for ex-pat Aussies, this show rings true for anyone who was ever young, confused and sharing their living space with a disparate group of mates. Go see it while you can!
About The Vegemite Tales
This offbeat comedy began life in 2001 at Barons Court Theatre where there was not an empty seat in the house. Soon discovered by the Antipodean community in London, The Vegemite Tales rapidly became a must-see, cult show and this second West End season is testament to its success. With a surprise cameo appearance by a special guest always a possibility during the course of the run, The Vegemite Tales continues to both retain its back-packer appeal and broaden its fanbase.
Australian playwright Melanie Tait wrote the play based on her own experiences whilst living in London. “Although the play revolves around an Antipodean household, the scenarios will be familiar to anyone who has ever shared a flat,” she says. “There’s nothing better than seeing the audience reaction, knowing they’ve been in very similar situations and know people who behave just like those in the show.”
