Australian Open

Image: A classic drama-filled family Christmas. From left to right: Sandro Colarelli as Peter, Jackson Paul as Lucas, Whitney Duff as Annabelle, Tye Shepherd as Felix, and Lisa Hickey as Belinda.

Australian Open is a witty, modern-day comedy that serves up a hilarious and heartfelt take on relationships, queer culture, and family dynamics. With sharp dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments, and a healthy dose of Brisbane flair, this production invites you into a world of love, self-discovery, and unexpected revelations.

Image: Sandro Colarelli as Peter, embracing his kinky side.

Written by Angus Cameron and directed by Hayden Burke, Australian Open is the latest offering from 7th Floor Theatre. Originally produced by Melbourne Theatre Company in 2019, the Queensland premiere of this celebration of queer drama has been delightfully well received. The show cleverly balances sharp wit with meaningful social commentary, exploring themes of open relationships, self-fulfilment, and the complexities of modern love.

The play opens with a striking, wordless scene: Felix (Tye Shepherd) watches Lucas (Jackson Paul), his tennis star boyfriend, face off against Roger Federer in a high-stakes match. As Lucas loses and breaks down off-court, Felix steps in to comfort him, instantly establishing their connection and the emotional weight of their relationship. From there, the narrative pivots to a playful TEDx-style monologue delivered by Whitney Duff, who waxes poetic on physics, attraction, and gravity—all while a spinning tennis ball hovers above the stage that continues to loom overhead throughout like a symbolic centrepiece. The story gains momentum as we join Felix’s 31st birthday dinner, where his parents’ fixation on Lucas’ career and a casual comment about their open relationship set the stage for hilarity and conflict.

Image - From left to right: Tye Shepherd as Felix, Jackson Paul as Lucas, Whitney Duff as Annabelle, Lisa Hickey as Belinda, and Sandro Colarelli as Peter.

The cast of Australian Open works as a tightly knit ensemble, each member contributing to the chaotic yet tender energy of this family drama. The blend of larger-than-life characters, and more straight-faced performances amongst some quite intimate moments creates a dynamic balance that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.

Image: Tye Shepherd as Felix suffering from a New Year’s hangover.

Tye Shepherd’s Felix is a whirlwind of nerves, sass, and heartfelt sincerity. Shepherd has truly perfected the wide-eyed panic of a gay man desperately trying to hold it all together. Whether grappling with the chaos of his family or navigating his complicated relationship with Lucas, Shepherd makes Felix both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply relatable. Every not-so-subtle glare, exaggerated sigh, or self-deprecating jab landed with gusto and really illustrated this character’s journey. Shepherd’s costume design is also certainly worth noting, as every character was dressed in stunning outfits that perfectly suited the character and the dynamics of the scene.

Image: Jackson Paul as the tennis star, Lucas. Photo by Stewart Tyrrell.

Opposite him, Jackson Paul brings a magnetic charm to Lucas, the tennis star whose confidence hides an undercurrent of vulnerability. As the “elite athlete” boyfriend, at first, Lucas seems all swagger and no depth. However, his moments of honesty, especially when facing the pressures of his open relationship, are poignant and nuanced, revealing Lucas as more than just the golden boy everyone admires. His portrayal reveals the deeper conflicts within the character, especially in the tension between his public persona and personal insecurities.

As the “Daddy”, Sandro Colarelli’s Peter is an absolute scene-stealer. From his anxious fidgeting to his awkward but endearing attempts at self-discovery, Colarelli delivers a performance filled with humour and heart. Watching Peter navigate new territory – both in his marriage and personal identity – is as hilarious as it is moving.

Meanwhile, Lisa Hickey as Belinda is a comedic force. Her sharp wit and unapologetically dramatic flair make every scene she’s in a joy to watch. Whether she’s delivering biting one-liners or reflecting on her own journey, Hickey balances humour with depth, giving Belinda a complexity that feels genuine and refreshing.

Image: Whitney Duff as Annabelle having a heart to heart with Tye Shepherd as Felix.

Tying the ensemble together, Whitney Duff dazzles as Annabelle, Felix’s brilliant yet sharp-tongued sister. She enters the stage initially as an impressive TEDx presenter, but she truly shines when she finally breaks into the main story as the troublemaker sister. Duff’s physicality and razor-sharp delivery of Annabelle’s intellectual musings gives her scenes a playful humour that keeps the audience hooked.

Image: Lisa Hickey as Belinda, climbing her Everest.

The heart of Australian Open lies in its ability to navigate heavy themes—family acceptance, queer relationships, and personal growth—with an approach that’s as light-hearted as it is thoughtful. Sharp writing and inventive staging paired with the ensemble’s vibrant performances truly brought the characters to life, creating a rhythm that makes the family’s chaos feel lived-in and relatable. The cast's ability to move seamlessly between humour and heartfelt moments ensures the audience is fully immersed in the tangled web of relationships, making the story as engaging as it is entertaining. From heartfelt confessions to moments of pure hilarity, the play delivered an experience that was both impactful and unforgettable, leaving the energy high until the very last moment.

Image: Lisa Hickey as Belinda, climbing her Everest.