THE SHEDS, which is part of the Sydney Fringe festival, originated as part of the Melbourne Fringe, and is travelling to the Adelaide Fringe in February. The play is a niche piece and the gay community will probably take it to their heart as the community has done elsewhere. The 3 male actors have travelled with the show and they are beautiful boys who look sporty and at home in the locker room setting.
Though billed as the coming out story of Darren (Patrick Chirico) a high profile AFL player, the story is really about the impact his coming out has on his team. Team Captain Liam (Ludwik Exposto) is supportive and negotiates Darren’s troubles with his teammates. Wiry winger, Jimmy Davis (Andii Mulders) has his own demons and uses Darren’s sexuality as a way to lash out at the world. Darren clings to the hope that the friendship will survive Jimmy’s downwards spiral.
Attending a production where there is no queue for the Ladies loo is a rare event and the rumble of men’s laughter is a resonant and pleasing sound. There were a few laughs and a few strong emotional moments. When Liam becomes the voice of Jimmy’s inner monologue, he stays still and the audience listens. For me there are some indicators that the cast might have done the show too often now and need to refresh their diction, movement and centre. I can only give this 3 hard fought behinds.
The program thanks Pozible contributors. Good on them and on the audiences who will contribute their admission price. Support for niche theatre is vital to the diversity of work we see in the mainstream.
THE SHEDS is playing at the New Theatre, Newtown until Sunday 21st September. Please note that there is a coarse language, adult themes and nudity warning.