Above: (l to r) Andrew Fraser as Alexei and Leon Walshe as T (Thaddeus). Photo credit: Justin Cueno.
Real life can be a raw, exposed and tricky place indeed. When we leave our screens, superhero-filled fantasies and sophisticated costuming behind, making our way live and unedited sans camouflage becomes perilous play indeed. This play by Lewis Treston comes to Sydney two years after its first performance at Brisbane’s La Boite Theatre. It is a wild, touching and hilarious version in the dynamic hands of four young players from The Other Theatre.
Presented in association with bAKEHOUSE Theatre, the talented troupe shares characters, switches outfits, comfort zones and commentary from the subtle to absurdist with prodigious ease and entertaining results. The main protagonists- Alexei and Thaddeus (the very nicely cast Andrew Fraser and Leon Walshe) take their faceless gay Tumblr chat offline for an old school date IRL. This real life meet up at Supanova Comic Con Brisbane takes place amidst hectic crowds, delusional child actors, clothes thieves and assorted other perils in the wilds of the revealing cosplay environment.
Treston’s play uses some classic theatrical techniques with a nice super-modern twist to give us this successful, fresh instalment in the queer comedy canon. Elements of first meeting, longing, disguise gone wrong and unhappiness turning into villainy shape this tale. The ensemble is flesh out by two more players in shifting parts, including fleeting appearances as earthly or other chorus-like commentators (some great character and caricature work coming from Bridget Haberecht, Leon Walshe and Dominic Lui).
Above: Andrew Fraser, in the role of Alexei. Photo Credit: Justin Cueno.
The content includes the topics of queer dating, acceptance, friendships and coming out, which is all needed on our stages to support stories of queer characters being told. There is also amidst the mayhem a comment to be easily accessed on the importance of face to face communication.
Underneath the constant humour this play strongly urges us to unravel feelings or predicament with exposed honesty face to face before we retreat or hide behind screens, metaphorical costumes, unreal play, deceptions and hurt. The chance of spiralling into internal problems and behaviours fuelled by loss of reality are colourfully and entertainingly elaborated for us here.
There are so many LOL moments here for audience from many backgrounds and experiences. The satirical look at the cosplay convention model alone is a winner for Supanova goers and the non-initiated alike.
Above: Queensland playright Lewis Treston’s wild romp, ‘IRL’ is being given an energetic Sydney Premiere by The Other Theatre at KXT on Broadway.
Director Eugene Lynch harnesses the movement and many strands of this play into a tight sequence, with bristling action coming and going along a rectangular concourse. Spectacle, show and the huge characters of Real Life leap out at us and a cracking pace is maintaned throughout. Lynch’s current experience in directing the impact of opera is translating to independent theatre with very real results for this biting new play.
As Alexei, Andrew Fraser crowns a great cast, moving always with elevated poise and enviable comic timing. Whether spouting attitude or vulnerabilities, bravery or regret this actor’s physical comedy and wealth of facial as well as vocal expressive range pleases. Initial in blonde wig and Princess dress and later in bespoke cosplay suit, this performance is stellar and has been directed well in use of the space plus this character’s unique experience and outlook. This portrayal is an inspiring diamentéd cluster of young queer charisma and confidence. The energy and colour shown here is enviable, and takes us on quite a ride.
Leon Walshe is so engaging as an in-the-closet, movie fan sensitive that many would want to hug and take gently out on a date anywhere. He moves well between his searching work as Thaddeus and character/chorus segments including as a fish and henchman to the larger-than-real-life, costume swapping Madame Malheur.
Supenova is a fierce locale in which to try a first date. Which makes this coming out and coming off-screen parble all the more fiery, ridiculous and riveting. Through the middle of the IRL-date storyline is the spectacular unravelling of Alexei’s child-actor friend, played with delicious contrasts and energy by Bridget Haberecht.
We view her dealing with the altered reality of the TV and film world, which takes its toll at the Supernova apperance and beyond- in fantasy comic hero sequences way above the everyday plus plunging into the sea, supported in fine instant ensemble by Leon Walshe and Dominic Lui.
Above: Leon Walshe in ensemble mode as the Cheshire Cat. Photo credit: Justin Cueno.
The costuming here is a treat also, and props and accessories stored in the pocket set fabrics at the end of the velvet- barricaded runway. As this play runs delightfully away, Lochie Odgers’ set keeps up and packages the action well in this set’s small strip. Sound design is also effective from Daniel Herten, and as always sound excellently fills the KXT space.
This play is a cracker of an instalment to the queer comedy/ young queer storytelling canon. All Comic Con and pop culture fans will be instantly attracted to its madcap mileu. References to iconic characters and appearances or actions simulation from Pikachu through Lewis Carroll’s Cheshire Cat to Spongebob Squarepants and even the Star Wars franchise keep the audience on the edge of their seat.
It is great to see the fun show bring its energy across the border to be brilliantly premiered by this busy, hardworking and hilarious quartet of young theatre stars.The Other Theatre’s creatives in conjunction with bAKEHOUSE Theatre company are to be congratulated on this effective and exciting premiere. See this story brought to colourful life, in Lily Mateljan’s vibrant costume creations.
Be quick to organise tickets, as they are selling out fast. Get your gaymer on, choose whatever costume feels best and enjoy the pace and visuals this comedy provides. Lose yourself in the display of action, humour, plus the spot reveal and interactive excellence of the talented youth onstage as their interlocking friendships, fears, comfort zones and identities- mistaken or otherwise are entertainingly explored.
IRL plays at KXT on Broadway-181 Broadway, Ultimo until Saturday May 10. For tickets go to https://www.kingsxtheatre.com/irl
