The Nest Ensemble

“Actors Margi Brown Ash and Travis Ash have an understandably outstanding on-stage trust and rapport. Neither seeks to outshine the other, but both sparkle in their own ways. Margi has this energy and passion you feel is almost punk or jazz in its risk taking and unpredictability. Yet once she does or says something, you’re utterly convinced by her.”

“Eve is a deeply considered, richly constructed celebration of a determinedly extravagant life, and questions our perceptions of degrees of madness, eccentricity, and the creative spirit.”

“…Ash’s delivery was playful and seamless, a whirlwind of symbolic gesture and comedic prowess creating a sense of connection through storytelling. The dialogue juxtaposed personal, mythic and historic tales, ranging from the ancient Egyptian story of Isis and Osiris, to Travis Ash’s insightful rendering of the stories of men who have survived diverse and confrontational situations, such as a Vietnam veteran’s bitter reintroduction into society…”

“…best of all, Ash’s longstanding collaboration with Mercer brings her back to Perth. She’s powerful and utterly convincing as both Joey’s mother and Bettelheim; her transitions flawless, her voices precise, her physical and emotional control exquisite. She’s quite something.”

“Every now and then a work comes along that raises the bar for local productions – The Great Exception [or the Knowing of Mary Poppins] is one of those pieces….Mercer’s work manages to captivate her audience and reel them into a world of magical whimsy that celebrates the richness of imagination. This enchanting accomplished work is hands down the best local production of 2005 to date. If you happened to miss it – start kicking yourself now.”