Rants in the Dark, Circa Theatre until February 16. Reviewed by Eleanor Wenman
Sometimes it turns out the movie - or play - is just as good as the book.
Rants in the Dark, originally a book from Wellington mum Emily Writes, has been adapted for the stage in a play of the same name and starts of Circa Theatre's 2019 season.
The play - and book - is a journey through motherhood with small snapshots and skits of the ups and downs and what new mothers find themselves thinking at 3am. Don't let that fool you though. The show is for anyone.
Men and women, young and old were laughing throughout the first act. Main actress Renee Lyons proved she was able to deliver a punchline, but also the emotional punches.
Her co-stars Bronwyn Turei and Amelia Reid-Meredith jumped in with various roles from well-meaning friends to partners and even a toddler. Props were minimal but well-used and it was down to the cast to sell their different roles convincingly, which they did.
The show jumped from scene to scene, showing anecdotes, ramblings, rants and personal journeys of heartbreak. Perfectly choreographed lighting cues and sound helped shift the tones.
In the second act, the jokes slowed down slightly, but this let the actresses show more of their acting chops, charting small sad snapshots of motherhood.
The thing that stuck out about Rants in the Dark was how well it could connect with the audience - and not just mothers. There's a moment for everyone that will have you nodding your head in recognition, from people complaining about "back in my day" to sleep deprivation.
Script writers Mel Dodge, Lyndee-Jane Rutherford and Bevin Linkhorn did an admirable job turning Emily Writes' book into a fully formed script. It feels much like sitting down for a glass of wine with a group of your funniest best friends, laughing about the stuff you wouldn't talk about in public.
Rants in the Dark is a must-see for new parents and infinitely enjoyable. Even if you're not a parent, you're guaranteed a great show and will come away with the urge to call your mum and say thanks.
* Tickets $25 for under 25s, $35 for students and seniors and $39 for adults. Book through circa.co.nz.