THE GOOD DOCTOR Accidental Productions Bakehouse Theatre Until 06 Nov 2010 Review by Jamie Wright Neil Simon's take on the works of legendary playwright Anton Chekhov, 'The Good Doctor' consists of ahandful of short, mostly comedic scenes, as envisaged by a narrator – a doctor who also writes stories.The various roles are filled by five performers – Andrew Pantelis, Emily McMahon, Lucy Markiewicz,Eddie Morrison and Kyle Kaczmarczyk. While using a small cast to play as many roles as are required for a performance like this is practical, itputs added pressure on the performers to be able to create multiple distinct characters – a challenge,even for the experienced actor. Director Hew Parham has done a good job of identifying the humour in the script, making the most ofthe tiny, cramped stage in the Bakehouse Studio, and orchestrating a range of performances from hiscast, but the added demand of creating multiple characters does prove a stumbling block on severaloccasions. Andrew Pantelis demonstrates a good range as both the narrator and as the philandering Lothario, PeterSemyonych; he is a little less convincing as Father. Lucy Markiewicz is a haughty Madame Brassilhov,but doesn't quite manage the same impact as Irina, the object of Peter Semyonych's affections. Eddie Morrison manages both the pomposity of General Brassilhov, the cluelessness of Nikolaich, Irina'shusband, and the officious timidity of Mr Kristonov. Emily McMahon is wonderfully overbearing as MrsSchukin, but, in her portrayal of aspiring actor Nina Zarechnaya, she doesn't give it anywhere near asmuch in the audition scene featuring the excerpt from 'The Three Sisters'. Kyle Kaczmarczyk, though, gets it right each time he steps on stage; his skills at physical comedy andtalent for creating distinct characters are evident, and he achieves a real contrast between the sneezingIvan Cherdyakov, the performance artist and the shy Antosha. The best scenes are the expanded version of 'The Sneeze'; Peter Semyonych's attempts to wooNikolaich's wife Irina; and the wonderfully Monty Pythonesque pier scene. But there are plenty ofhumorous and engaging moments throughout the production, and results in an entertaining combinationof the talents of two giants of theatre, Chekhov and Simon.