Do you have a thing for musicals? Are you feeling nostalgic for a good old house party? Then you need to get yourself down to fortyfivedownstairs and buy a ticket for ‘The Gathering‘.
Written by Will Hannagan and Belinda Jenkin, this lively musical reminiscent of Rent returns to Melbourne after a successful development season at the New York Music Theatre Festival.
The story revolves around Tom, who’s just moved back in town after five years and is throwing a housewarming to reunite with his old friends. But time does not go by unnoticed. And it is not long before laughs turn into silences, silences turn into questions, and deep and hidden truths begin to emerge.
‘The Gathering’ makes for a good laugh and a lively performance. The venue could not be better – fortyfivedownstairs’ underground city setting really makes you feel as if you’re in a vintage loft in the outer suburbs. The patched brick walls and lighting set up the mood like no formal theatre could do.
The cast will immediately grab your attention with their outstanding talent and voices. Be ready to be dazed by their songs and to lose track of time as the story unfolds.
Ultimately, The Gathering does not tell the story of four young folks – it tells the story of human relationships. In a very simple way, it shows us how friendship and love intertwine. It blatantly states how every party is always tinged by our own baggage, but more importantly, that it that which defines us.
In spite of our best efforts to hide it, if we share those very personal secrets our bonds can only be strengthened. Because ultimately, isn’t it the fact that we all have baggage what binds us?
– Lourdes
Lourdes Zamanillo is a Mexican journalist who recently moved to Australia to study a Master’s in Sustainable Tourism. She loves words, travelling, and (above all) feeling surprised.
‘The Gathering’ runs 26 November–11 December at fortyfivedownstairs. Buy tickets now.
The venue is accessible.
