HAUSDOWN

HAUSDOWN is a farcical romp through regency tropes that manages to be both deftly crafted and delightfully silly. Our ensemble call on skit comedy, clowning, dance, and melodrama to tell the raucous story of seven queer aristocrats and their servant during a visit to the country seat of the Hausdown family.

The actors work wonderfully together to deliver expressive, committed performances. Energy and pace are maintained throughout, and the cast are strongly connected to each other and the audience. Much of the comedy hinges on precise tone and timing when delivering one-liners, which they pull off again and again. Even more impressive is the ensemble work and movement – the opening slow-motion tableau and the dance scene that switches repeatedly between a reserved country dance and sexually charged clubbing are hysterical.

All this tomfoolery is grounded by brilliant technical elements. Ruby Carter’s costume design does bounteous work establishing the fluid historicity and gender play that are at the core of this project. Carter’s skill as a seamstress and knowledge of the period is abundantly apparent. This reviewer was especially gratified by the arrival of gorgeous bonnets and hats when our characters headed outdoors to take in the country air. The costumes also support character work, communicating status and gender expression. Carter has developed a distinctive style for each character, and each costume was suited to the physicality of its actor.

The rest of the production team also deserves praise. The set design by Sam Hearps is simple but refined. The minimalism suits the contemporary theatrical conventions of this show, but the proportions, colours, and textures are period appropriate and executed beautifully. Likewise with sound (Joshua Lees) and lighting (Teddy O’Neill), which are both effective, clever, and in service of the on-stage action rather than being intrusive.

All elements of Inconceivable Productions' HAUSDOWN cohere to form an exceptionally well crafted and joyful production. We eagerly anticipate an invitation to their next soirée.