Audiences Happy to Visit Primary Trust at the Ensemble

1 July 2025

By James Mullan

Primary Trust has charmed its way onto the Ensemble stage, delivering a hilarious yet vulnerable performance of Eboni Booth’s Pulitzer Prize-winning story.

It is set in a small town in upstate New York where everybody knows your name, especially at Wally’s, the local dive bar. Almost every night of the week you’ll find local Kenneth, played by the exciting talent Albert Mwangi.

Read our interview with Mwangi here: https://northsydneysun.com.au/out-and-about/from-marketing-to-main-stage-albert-mwangi-on-embracing-the-unpredictable-in-primary-trust/

Kenneth is a low-key regular who has held the same job at a second-hand bookstore for almost two decades, finding happiness at the bottom of a Mai Tai glass. Luckily, tonight is two-for-one night because, as usual, he is catching up with his best friend, Burt.

Charles Allen brings a strong presence to Burt, playing yang to Kenneth’s yin. Allen captures a character of depth, bringing a joyful and composed performance. Burt is married with children, whereas Kenneth remains single, but as long as they have each other, neither ever really felt lonely.

Cheers! With friends gathered, the organ keyboardist in place and Wally’s pumping, Angela Mahlatje takes centre stage, welcoming the audience to Wally’s, playing multiple waiters and waitresses who bring the bar to life.

Mahlatje is simply hilarious, perfecting impersonation from voice down to the little mannerisms, at points switching between characters on a dime to cover the neon-light-filled restaurant on busy nights.

A particular waitress does stand out, though: Corrina, who has somehow managed to be the first person to crack the otherwise mysterious Kenneth. More impressive considering Ken has pretty much made Wally’s his home over the years. Mahlatje as Corrina is yet another stand-out performance in this piece, converting early caution towards Kenneth into comfort.

Kenneth’s life is also set to be shaken up in a big way when he is forced to make a tough decision about life beyond the Second Hand Book Store.

Mwangi lifts the crowd with him, taking them on a ride through moments of joyful aspiration contrasted by the anguish and internal struggles associated with a big change in life. This is Mwangi’s second show at the Ensemble, the first time as a lead. Under director Darren Yap, Mwangi is allowed to spread his wings, showing he can embody a character with so many ticks and conflicting emotions.

Yap has also provided a playground for Peter Kowitz to get the audience laughing. On the keys: it’s Kowitz, also transforming into a French bartender, a college football star turned bank manager, and a soon-to-be Arizona retiree. The range, much like Mahlatje, is on full display, and they are so much fun to watch.

When Kenneth simply needs a bit of encouragement and love, who will support him past trauma and through potentially big changes in the future?

You are guaranteed to be in Kenneth’s corner throughout the journey. Not only that, the funky characters of this small town you meet along the way are delightful to get to know.

If you get the chance, visit Primary Trust for an experience they guarantee you’ll love. After the show, head to Wally’s for two-for-one Mai Tais with your newest friends.