November
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Date Reviewed: 16/11/2025
As we pulled into the St Albans Senior Centre, my partner, a theatre novice, suggested he might leave at “half-time”. From the moment a disembodied Trump-esque voice told us to turn off our phones because “people are saying this is the best show ever,” I knew he’d be staying until the final bow.
David Mamet’s November is a tightly written political comedy that lands even harder now than it did in 2008. On the brink of losing an election — and heading home broke and library-less — President Chuck (Darin Casler) leans on his trusted advisor Archer Brown (Drew Mason) and speech-writer Bernstein (Sahara Bartlett-Matthews) as they hatch increasingly desperate vote- and money-grabbing schemes while pardoning a turkey. Their antics pull the Turkey Guy (James Banger) and Chief Dwight Grackle (George Alexander) into Chuck’s spiralling orbit.
What would have read as absurdism 17 years ago feels tame today. The primary differences between the gilt set and the current Oval Office are the sights and sounds of construction in the new ballroom.
Despite obvious temptation, Director Lee Cook wisely chose to keep Trump at bay in the production. While Trump is never far from mind (his portrait hangs alongside those of other questionable figures in American politics), the nods to him are restrained. Rather than attempting an SNL-style impersonation, Casler brings his own touch of mania to President Chuck. As a result, he comes off as unhinged but occasionally affable. The production thus resonates as both timely and universal.
While the varied portraits and minimal Trump references lend November a certain timelessness, the universal adoption of an American accent leaves no doubt about the commentary's target. The accent was a daring choice given the pace of Mamet’s writing, but it pays off. The dialogue between Casler (who’s originally from the US), Mason, and Bartlett-Mathews is rapid, dense, and so perfectly accented that I forgot I was in Melbourne for a minute. Others falter sometimes. American enunciation holds back Banger, in particular; the intentional awkwardness of his role, however, helps the audience chalk up any stilted speech to a character tic.
The crackling comedy that runs through November requires finesse, but the cast excels at nailing punchlines. Casler's portrayal of President Chuck is a standout, as he effortlessly transitions between deranged proclamations, confusion, and moments of sincerity, creating a compelling portrayal of a megalomaniac.
Whether you’re a dedicated fan of Powderkeg and other local theatre productions or a newcomer to theatre, November promises a wildly entertaining experience. Just a word of caution: if you plan to attend, it's best to leave the little ones at home as the production features some profanity. But with a topic like American politics, profanity is required.
Reviewed by Kate Himonas