Trafalgar Sudios 2 (studio)
12 January 2018 (released)
16 January 2018
Tommy Murphy won the prestigious Australian NSW’s literary award for this touching three hander about a small town runaway making his way in big old world of Sydney. After a successful run at the Kings Head in 2016 they’ve now transferred to the small space in Trafalgar Studios. There is plenty to laugh about and much to admire in this witty character driven drama that explores the alternative families we find when escaping our own family demons.
Teenager, Shane has fled his small town outside Sydney where being gay is likely to get you beaten up. He’s completely alone as he struggles to open the till and locate a chardonnay in his first day at a ‘bottlo’ (off-license) in the city. But with his wide-eyed charm and endless questions, he soon befriends customers Will and Peter. ‘You’re not a back-pack murderer are you?’ he checks with hot Will before hooking up with him and ‘I’m not full blown gay’ he claims to his new best friend, Peter, I’m just in Sydney.’
Often funny and sometimes infuriating Roly Botha gives a charming performance as the jittery youngster coming to terms with his sexuality and his past. Dan Hunter who plays both his love interest and his violent brother is suitably aloof then threatening as he switches hats. Stephen Connery-Brown as Peter is perhaps the most well rounded and convincing character. Initial laughs at his camp posturing give way to a more complex figure, defying stereotypes about older predatory men’s interest in pretty young boys.
Spreadbury-Maher's production is pacey and fun. Sex and nudity is often awkward and unnatural in the small spaces of fringe theatres but the casts rapport and flare for honest comedy makes these scenes some of the most relaxed and genuine moments of intimacy I’ve seen on stage in a long time.
Check out Theatre News' exclusive interviews with the cast below:
Roly Botha Dan Hunter Stephen Connery-Brown 