By Cindy Williamson

Good Night - The End by Barbarian Productions is an inspired and witty situational comedy that explores existential themes through the eyes of a Grim Reaper.

Following the quotidian work-place banter and petty arguments of three Grim Reapers as they take time out in their dingy staff kitchen, this play is about life as much as it is about death. The central message is carpe diem. We are told throughout that death will happen to us all – as the Harvester of Sorrow, performed by Jo Randerson, informs us ‘I will come for all of you. There will be no reason to it.’

The tableau of a Grim Reaper on its tea break is exploited for all its comic potential!

Iconography is drawn from a variety of sources, including the Seventh Seal, memento mori, Catrina-inspired marionettes and El Día de los Muertos, to create a numinous and portentous atmosphere.

Randerson, also the playwright, has a gift for the one-liner and an ear of the comedic potential of everyday language. And the Kiwi vernacular, and a preoccupation with Milo, adds an interesting New Zealand slant to a play about a universal theme.

The talent of the design team is obvious. The set design by Sean Coyle appears to have been inspired by El Día de los Muertos, and introduces the bright colours of Latin America to the chaotic and dispiriting (excuse the pun) ambience of the staff kitchen. Nic McGowan’s impressive sound design is eerily upbeat (if that is actually possible?) and, at times, moody and atmospheric.

All the performances are fantastic. Aaron Cortesi is superb as L’amministrazione the Italian speaking playboy boss, and Felicity McDonnell is hilarious as Unavoidable Destiny, the overweight and simple-minded Grim Reaper.

A creative and original play. Loads of fun. 

Good Night - The End
Downstage Theatre
11 September - 03 October

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Good Night - The End