South West Life

Bunbury theatregoers will have the opportunity to enjoy another innovative production from Stark Raven Theatre this month, with their newest offering of Rotto Boys. Furthering Stark Raven’s commitment to produce locally written works for the theatre, Rotto Boys is written by English teacher and long time member, Les Pearce.

Dealing with issues of masculinity, honesty and sport, Rotto Boys tells the story of four men, once A Grade cricketers together, who meet for their annual reunion on Rottnest Island.

However, this reunion is not to be the usual relaxed get together.  Personal problems, old grudges and a game of honesty combine to create a weekend of humour, conflict, and dramatic clashes.  The play is an engaging and at times humorous examination of the ways in which men communicate, or fail to communicate. 

Featuring an experienced cast of Stark Raven regulars, Rotto Boys will be staged at Newton Moore S.H.S. Performing Arts Centre. Nathan Gardiner plays Junior, a man with a mystery (several mysteries in fact). Geoff Robinson is Cocker, the arrogant and competitive fast bowler, whose long-standing grievance creates a swelling undercurrent of discontent.  Brad Snelling plays Cocker’s mate Davis, whose good humour and easygoing nature are put to the test. Les Pearce is the psychologist Freud, whose insistence on playing a game of revelation has very unexpected results.

Stark Raven Theatre is the brainchild of Drama teacher Leanne McLaughlin. Beginning with a highly successful production of Cosi in 1997, Stark Raven has established its position in the Bunbury Arts scene as a company dedicated to producing quality theatre, particularly focusing on Australian plays. 

Committed to the task of developing theatre skills in local people, Stark Raven has a string of successful productions, including theatresports competitions and workshops which have involved a significant number of participants over the thirteen years of the company’s history. 

Stark Raven also takes pride in promoting locally written works and has previously produced plays by local writers Norm Flynn and Brad Snelling.  Rotto Boys continues this proud tradition, bringing to the Bunbury public a play about recognisably Australian men, set in the iconic Western Australian location of Rottnest Island. 

Rotto Boys will entertain audiences with its engaging and dramatic storyline, leaving them with plenty to discuss after the final curtain.

The play runs for two weekends, opening on Friday May 21.  Tickets are priced at $20 for adults and $15 for students and concession holders.  Group discounts are available.  Tickets can be purchased at Jolt Footwear in Victoria Street.

Contact:   Les Pearce   (Writer and cast member)   0419371330