A tightly constructed and polished one-woman show in need of more depth and imagination.

Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
June 11, 2015

Entering Her Majesty’s Theatre, there was a palpable buzz in the foyer. Cabaret fever combined with the knowledge that the notorious creative team behind the smash hit Songs for Nobodies had collaborated again, meant expectation was high.

Pennsylvania Avenue’s beautifully imposing and formal set impressively fills the large stage. The oval shaped walls of this special Blue Room in the White House are reimagined with sheer blue curtains, perfect reproduction furniture and six imposing portraits of American Presidents.

As the house lights dim and the familiar hush engulfs, Happy Birthday Mr President rings out through the dark. Picturing Marilyn, the thin, elegant figure of Bernadette Robinson discreetly finds centre stage. This is a story of Harper, an event coordinator at the White House, and it’s her last day after 40 years of loyal and devoted service.

The story is special; clever and well researched, fact and fiction blend seamlessly. As Harper picks through mementoes in an archive storage box, she tells of the Presidents and First Ladies she’s served, the celebrities she’s met and the memorable moments of their lives she witnessed. And, somewhere amongst it all,...