If Rob Carlton’s face looks familiar, that’ll be because you’ve seen his mug on TV.
Most recently playing a self-described “sketchy, middle-aged man with a young girlfriend” on The White Lotus: Season 3, but his incredibly memorable, Logie-winning turn as Kerry Packer in Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo also springs to mind.
Directed by Darren Gilshenan (Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo), Willing Participant was inspired by the Bravewords Live: True Stories Told Well storytelling nights Carlton hosts on the Central Coast of NSW with his wife Adrienne Ferreira – an author. According to Carlton, regularly gathering to bravely share – and generously listen to – true stories with his community has made him feel much more compassionate and connected. He admits these monthly events have enriched his life immeasurably over the last two years, even making him “less quick to anger”.
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A single $9 black chair from Bunnings is the only set Carlton requires. His excitable, hyperactive delivery is enhanced by light-footed movement around the stage, illuminated by lighting design that subtly highlights the action (eg. switching off a light, a vehicle approaching).
Carlton refers to his audience as “my friends” throughout, which is exactly how he makes us feel. We’re completely captivated by his four autobiographical stories and feel all of the emotions. Our tears of laughter often dissolve into actual tears, especially when Carlton recounts taking his dearly departed dad’s ashes for a bike ride in his backpack.
While Carlton recalls blagging his way through a job as “an international continuity expert” – for which he was flown in from LA to Melbourne to allegedly save a “small but noble” Australian film – we’re on the edge of our seats. He was around 25 at the time and asks whether any of this evening’s audience members happen to be in their mid-twenties. A single hand goes up, which prompts Carlton to impart advice on how to navigate what he labels “the forgotten years”, which are typically riddled with uncertainty. “It does get better,” he promises.
During his cracking final yarn, Carlton totally embodies his six-year-old self auditioning for the infant school choir and we’re legit snorting with laughter.
Pre-show music: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town and other assorted carols (Carlton’s first story transports us to his Gran-Gran’s final family Christmas celebration, you see).
Best bit: The way Carlton keeps his “beautiful, kind” dad’s memory alive every single time he shares this evening’s standout story. He also encourages us to keep the memories of our own lost loved ones alive through future conversations.
Rob Carlton: Willing Participant plays at Beckett Theatre, The Malthouse until 20 April.
