THEATRE REVIEW:Blowing Whistles

Following its recent success at the Darlinghurst Theatre in Sydney, Focus Theatre has presented the South Australian premiere of Matthew Todd's Blowing Whistles as part of the 2008 Feast Festival.

Originally set in London on the eve of Gay Pride, Blowing Whistles is a comedy about being gay, being in love, little white lies and internet dating.

Focus Theatre’s Pete Nettell and Alice Livingstone have adapted the play to be set in Sydney on the eve of Mardi Gras, resulting in a play that is not only culturally relevant to its environment, but also its intended audience – gay men.

Blowing Whistles is about Nigel (Lindsay Moss) and Jamie (Neil Phipps), a likeable couple in an open relationship. On the eve of the annual Mardi Gras Parade and their tenth anniversary, they cruise an online dating site and meet Mark (Lachlan Mantell), also known as Cumboy_17.

The ensuing events over the next 24 hours will chart a course that will change these three lives forever.

Pete Nettell has directed a well balanced production that is built on the many nuances of the text and that of gay life. Nigel and Jamie are easily recognisable characters and Moss and Phipps relish in the texts humour and serious issues without reverting to clichés. In turn, allowing the audience to sift through the triumphs, the sadness and regrets.

Lachlan Mantell’s portrayal of Mark, while looking for love in all the wrong places, encapsulates all the emotions and naivety of one so young is to be commended.

Set Designer Wayne Harris has created an IKEA inspired living space that is both inviting and realistic, making one feel a part of the ensuing discourse. Spiros Hristias’ lighting design is simple but effective.

I was fortunate to see Blowing Whistles at Belvoir Street early this year, so was curious to see how the production stands up after many months. Focus Theatre has succeeded in presenting a truly engaging production.

Matthew Todd has not been afraid to explore the vicissitudes of gay life. On one hand Blowing Whistles celebrates all that is good, on the other, dishes it up in all its sordid glory. While some may find the material confronting, others will truly relish in it.