Theatre Review Written By: John Aston

Position: Arts Journalist

Publication: The Melbourne Times

Dated: 16th October 1996

This drama places gay guy David (Adam Turnbull) fair and square in the middle of suburbia; in Neighbours land. In denial of the fact are David’s mum and dad (Elizabeth Penny and Simon Laidler). In disgust at the fact are his sister and brother (Clare O’Sullivan and Raphael Summut). Accepting of the fact is potential brother-in-law (Paul Henderson). There’s also the drinkin’ lover (Tim Constantine), the night-clubbin’ girlfriend (Irene Guzowski) and the homophobic (Luke Jelleff). This could’ve been a safe family drama but Act Two tears us out of the bitchin’ kitchen into the night streets and jungle parkland. At times the dialogue in The Meeting Place is more discursive than dramatic. However, the script never shies away from the fundamental issues confronting the homosexual in family and society. Overall, it’s a fine result for first timers, writer Darren Brealey and director Justin Conkey. In expressing the wit and pain of the lead role, Adam Turnbull delivers an outstanding performance.