Posh by Laura Wade is a satirical play about power, politics, and privilege, and how these forces collide within institutions. It premiered in 2009 at the Royal Court Theatre before transferring to the West End. The play was nominated for Best New Play at both the Evening Standard Awards and the Theatregoers’ Choice Awards. It was later adapted into a film called The Riot Club. Now, Posh finally makes its Australian premiere, brought to life by Queen Hades Productions and director Margaret Thanos.
The play opens with Alistair (Christian Paul Byers) and his Uncle Jeremy (Charles Mayer) discussing the return of the infamous Ryott/Riot Club dinners. Alistair has been put in charge of organising the food and is eager to make a strong impression, hoping to succeed James (Ryan Hodson) as the next club president. Unbeknownst to him, Dimitri (Anthony Yangoyan) is also vying for the position.
In a terrific twist of fate — and an inventive switch in staging by director Margaret Thanos — it is Guy (Roman Delo) who ultimately stands up for himself and, by extension, the club. His actions turn the college boys against their hosts, setting the chaos of the evening into motion.
Margaret Thanos continues to prove herself as one of Sydney’s finest directors, and this production is further evidence of her skill. She and the cast manage to make each of the fourteen characters — particularly the ten boys — distinct, unique, and memorable. Each character has at least one defining trait that lingers with you. Whether you like them for it is another matter!
Thanos’ brilliant decision to add two motionless, silent figures in the final scene perfectly captures the play’s message. It shows, in striking clarity, that the consequences of the boys’ actions are not felt by them, but by those left in their wake. The rich grow further removed from the poor. And the true culprit escapes accountability — not punished for his mistakes, but rewarded for appearing flawless.
AJ Evans as Harry and Roman Delo as Guy are the standouts, though the script does give them more to do. Making the most of their few scenes are Scarlett Waters as prostitute Charlie, Charles Mayer as Lord Ryott, Dominique Purdue as daughter Rachel, and Mike Booth as the father, Chris.
The rest of the boys create a cohesive chaotic ensemble. The relentless pace of conversations and interchanges is clean and precise, making three hours fly by.
Praise must be given to accent coach Felicity Jurd who helps the boys make their English dialects different and believable. Producer Ryan Whitworth-Jones manages to destroy part of the set and rebuild it for each performance on an independent theatre budget.
Set designer Soham Apte transports the audience into a private dining room within a rural English establishment, with a set that looks and feels of a professional calibre. Lights, costumes, sounds, intimacy and fight choreography are all top-tier, immersive and electric.
Posh is a layered portrayal of brotherhood, found family, entitlement, and the lengths people will go to be accepted. To fit in, to belong. The dinners, the toasts, the trashing, and the rioting are only the beginning. These boys are ‘meant for bigger things.’ Posh serves as a sharp commentary on the people with real power. Those who end up running the country from behind closed doors. Even the Prime Minister can’t keep them in check.
Posh is a dazzling, razor-sharp riot, overflowing with chaos, privilege, and pint-slinging madness. In short, it’s unmissable!
Posh is presented by Queen Hades Productions and runs until 11 May at the Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011.
Tickets: https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/book-now
Website: https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/posh
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/oldfitztheatre/
Photo credits: Robert Catto
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