Boys' Life at Melville Theatre

Well, Melville Theatre has pulled a rabbit out of the hat with their current production of “Boys’ Life”. I went to see this show last night and was impressed with it for a number of reasons. Firstly, congratulations to Melville for staging a relatively unknown play. I don’t believe that this play has been staged in Perth before. (No doubt I will soon be corrected on that by regular contributors to this site). So many community theatres rely on the same old, same old plays. They do the rounds from one theatre to the next, (Yes, I know they put bums on seats) but how refreshing to find a new and contemporary production. Secondly, this production has given an opportunity for a group of young actors, who are relatively inexperienced (some for the first time â€“ one of the lead males in particular) to show us their stuff. There a no “big names” here. Sure, the inexperience shows from time to time, but so what isn’t that what community theatre is about? To give people a chance to have a go. Finally, the play itself. Contemporary in style â€“ no fancy sets here â€“ in a sequence of scenes we meet Jack, Don & Phil, the 3 “boys” and their attempts â€“ successful or otherwise- to pick up women. They display their sexist attitude to females in a very forthright manner. We find it funny because of some clever dialogue and the fact that these men are recognisable. Phil reminded me of a guy I dated - ONCE! The women in the play have smaller roles but in the end, the upper hand. Those women hold the trump card; they have what the “boys” want. I liked the irony of the theme song, sung by Doris Day. This play is more Tiger than Doris. I enjoyed the show, it’s worth a look. Go and support these young people who we are sure to see more of in the future.

The testosterone was certainly flowing onstage tonight at Melville. Director Geoff Leeder has banked on his track record to bring to the Palmyra stage a show that he, as a theatre artist, really wanted to do. Artistically, I think he has succeeded. Unfortunately, Perth audiences tend to shy away from theatre that threatens to make them think as well as laugh. I have no issue with actors of different skill levels performing together. In my view, stage presence is what counts and these three 'boys' all had it. The more experienced actors tend to find more in the script of course, but sometimes less is more - and just as good. Ultimately, this is not a play for 'blokes'. (For that matter, it is not even a play as such - more a series of vignettes). It is really a 'chick play'. Plenty of beefcake and male stereotyping, encased in a soft, subtle envelope of strong female characters, delivered by strong female actors. And in case you are wondering - no, there is no actual turkey-slapping in this play. We are in the middle of an election campaign after all! Ssstinger>>>

Rabbits, Tigers and Turkeys

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