Could an adaptation of this play have worked? Maybe. I mean, it was a personal work which Williamson wrote in response to the poor reaction to a farce, Celluloid Heroes. The material was there - it dealt with universal themes. It didn't have a particularly strong story or bright lines but had good characters. And there was a central concept: married couple hires male nanny and the mum is hot for her.
Jackie Weaver and Steve Vidler seem uninterested in each other. When she propositions him it has been set up in story but seems out of the blue and they have no chemistry,
John Waters has an unlikeable character who he can't make likeable, he's very glum, no humour. Maybe Graeme Blundell or someone would be better casting. Weaver seems too sensible and asexual. Maybe Kate Fitzpatrick, who plays Weaver's horny friend, would've been better as the female lead.
It's not very well directed - the blocking is poor and there's no visual help to accentuate the character interactions. There's no warmth between Weaver and Waters - some humour and attraction would've helped. It's understandable why she leaves, not why she does off with Vidler or returns.
It ambles along. The play isn't a masterpiece but this simply isn't very good.
The kids are good.
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