Review: In A Moment

**Image credit**: *Creative Futures Photography*

If you are free on the evenings of 21 and 22 February, I strongly suggest you get along to Park Road and catch the final PIP Theatre performances of In a Moment. Tim Jackman (Sam) and Tammy Tresillian (Laura), In a Moment leading actors/co-writers/co-directors, have together created a thought-provoking show that I really hope tours the country. In a Moment is a clever, funny, and beautifully observed piece of writing that encourages us all to think about the moments of connection, love, and friendship across our lives.

As Sam (Tim Jackman) says in the first act… or should I call it episode… ‘life is just a series of moments.’ The 70-minute, 20-act/episode play centres on a park bench—the site of many conversations that take place over several decades between ‘an unassuming accountant and an eccentric homeless man.’ Occasionally the action moves away from the park, where the three chairs are used to great effect to establish the different places where the characters connect. The story is cleverly crafted, the journeys of each of the actors take different but often connecting paths, and I am resisting the temptation to unpick the story arc and write more about the clever themes and observations that are gradually uncovered during the story. Let’s just say you can expect lots of references to sandwiches, birthdays, life and death, books (particularly Wuthering Heights), the ‘little things that make it ok’ (Sam again), and discovering who are the people we really need in our lives.

Having raved about the writing, I do also want to congratulate the team on the direction, staging, and costume. There was no attempt to make the characters age, despite episodes that had the passing of many decades. I thought this worked well—possibly referencing how many of us still don’t feel much different to our younger selves (until we look in the mirror, that is!). Similarly, there were limited costume changes, and the costumes didn’t suggest the ageing of the characters nor the time period. However, the many subtle costuming touches worked well: such as Laura’s switch to the ‘wellness’ outfit, Sam’s move away from shorts, and Kirk’s arrival in a rather ill-fitting jacket. The staging is sparse, but nothing more than the three chairs and occasional prop was needed; anything else would have been a distraction. Finally hats off to the PIP team who manage the sound and lighting, which is all perfect for this show. I particularly enjoyed the set list selected as the audience walked in, and Jackman’s occasionally humming/singing between acts. The decision not to play any recorded music between each episode was spot on.

The show was first developed as a one-act play about a chance meeting between two individuals. In this latest development, the script now includes two supporting characters: Laura’s husband, Kirk (Andrew Rose), and daughter, Zara (Estella Hall). All four of the actors are well-cast. Tresillian and Jackman were excellent, and it will be a long time before I forget Jackman’s excellent portrayal of Sam. Rose and Hall certainly help move the extended story along, and I particularly enjoyed their interactions with Jackman. Kirk’s first conversation with Sam added to the dramatic tension of the piece, and Zara’s ‘birthday’ chat was a lovely way in which to end the show. However, I did wonder whether a future development could return to a two-hander, with one actor playing the mother and daughter roles.

Recently, I have left shows thinking that the runtime needed to be cut back or that a dramaturg might assist in the future development of the piece. But there is absolutely no need for outside input for the In A Moment team. This is a memorable PIP Theatre Production, and I really hope that Tresillian and Jackman do bring In a Moment to wider audiences. I’m so delighted to have seen this new work. Thanks again to the PIP Theatre team for providing a platform for such strong new writing.

Catherine Lawrence

**Picture (L to R)**: Andrew Rose (Kirk), Tim Jackman (Sam), Tammy Tresillian (Laura), and Estella Hall (Zara) *Image Credit: Creative Futures Photography*

Audience information: In A Moment, PIP Theatre, 20 Park Road, Milton QLD 4064 (13-22 February 2024, 7:30pm [6:30pm on 19 February only]. Occasional mild coarse language and adult themes—13+ suggested. 70 minutes, no interval. Tickets $25-40, plus $3.30 booking fee.

The reviewer attended the 20 February 2025 7:30pm performance.

Geoff Lawrence