Written by award-winning South Australian director and playwright, Michael Hill, this powerful new script was shortlisted for the Jill Blewett Playwrights Award in 2002 (under the title Poor Brother). Now come November, promising young Adelaide theatre company Junglebean will be bringing Boxing Day Test to the Bakehouse Theatre stage.
It's a time of transition for David and Patrick - brothers, housemates and cricket lovers. Patrick is starting a new job in corporate law (which isn’t exactly convenient because David’s latest enterprise isn’t exactly legal), the lease on their share house is up and they’re both struggling with women. Well, just one actually.
If that wasn’t enough, this Boxing Day has added significance as it marks the first anniversary of their mother’s tragic death.
And then there’s Dad.
The boys share an uneasy peace with their controlling father, John, who seems to be doing his best to bring the family back together. But are his intentions completely altruistic? Patrick seems to think so, but why doesn’t David?
Boxing Day Test is a hard-hitting play about family, loss and how what we perceive as children can change us as adults.
This production is proudly being brought to South Australian audiences by local independent company Junglebean, the collective brainchild of AC Arts Acting grads Nic English, Renee Gentle and Tim Overton. First appearing on the scene with their production of Neil Labute's Autobahn for the 2009 Adelaide Fringe, Junglebean most recently brought Jim Cartwright’s Two to the stage.
Directed by Duncan Graham, Boxing Day Test stars Nic English, Patrick Frost, Renee Gentle and Tim Overton. Leave the tele off and enjoy a bit of live sporting action at the Bakehouse Theatre (255 Angas Street, Adelaide) from November 25 - December 11. Tickets are $25 for Adults, $18 for Concession and a measly $15 for Fringe Benefits members. Book through the Bakehouse Theatre website.