Fourteen

Am I allowed to say that I wasn’t exactly looking forward to yet another boy’s own coming-of-age tale? Well, while Fourteen does deal with the murky waters of teen hormones, bullying and self-discovery, the play’s strength lies in how it really focuses on navigating those waters with survival tactics, a whole lot of delightfully unexpected humour – and S Club 7!

Shannon Molloy is now a best-selling author and journalist, but when he was at high school in 1999, it really did feel like the turn of the century, and he doubted whether he would survive his fourteenth year on the planet, probably the worst of his life. His best-selling autobiographical novel, Fourteen is now a world-premiere play, developed in Brisbane by Shannon in conjunction with the team at shake & stir theatre co. The result is a refreshing, energetic and humour-filled celebration of thriving, despite the odds. In Shannon’s case, he found an escape route from small-minded, small-town bullies. And, while Fourteen is about beating bullies who target Shannon for being gay, this story has wider resonance. These bullies are like sharks circling a surfer – they have a sense for anyone who might have ambition to get out of town and a plan to succeed. The bullies’ homophobia is just the fin on the surface of their disturbed territory.

Adapting the novel to a play script has been achieved by Shannon in an 18-month collaboration with shake & stir’s Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij. The play uses a simple stage revolve, moving scenery and lighting to keep a high-energy pace, but also hone in on the pathos and drama to give the story its heart. Ross Balbuziente is Creative Producer, and Nick Skubij also directs the fabulous cast – this is a great example of a truly strong ensemble cast. All play multiple roles – except of course, Conor Leach as Shannon.

What a wonderful performance! Brisbane-born and Vic College of Arts trained, Conor achieves just the right balance as the bright and bubbly, confused, excited, loving, enthusiastic and depressed teenager – the whole mix of emotions we’ve all experienced. You just want his Shannon to succeed and rise above his small-town situation.

The shake & stir cast have worked together for many years on crowd-pleasing works such as A Christmas Carol, and Animal Farm. Their experience and teamwork shows – this is a group of accomplished artists. As well as astutely portraying the idiot bullies, the cast also superbly capture the flipside of small communities – its heart and soul, friends, family, teachers and mentors – and show great dramatic and comic range. Johnny Balbuziente is wonderfully authentic as Shannon’s older brother Brett, and also like-minded theatre student Andy.

Mitchell Bourke’s Tom perfectly captures the teen heart-throb – and even has his own John-Hughes-inspired ‘Pretty in Pink’ prom scene – but also elicits sympathy for his sexually confused plight.

Leon Cain is simply superb with his portrayals of an annoying teacher, Shannon’s bumbling but caring Dad, and the school’s only other opening gay student, the flamboyant Jonathon. Helen Cassidy and Amy Ingram are a fabulous double act as Shannon’s bestie girlfriends, but also play important teachers and mentors who show that small actions can make a huge difference to someone’s life.

I love the line that Amy has as the convener of the local Community Hall: “Oops, left the door unlocked again!” Of course, that open-door policy and venue is crucial in Shannon finding his creative outlet. And Helen’s art teacher, Ms Kostopolous, was a wonderful encapsulation of all the gem-like teachers out there who can make a difference. Karen Crone is just a joy as Shannon’s hard-working, loving Mum, but she also gives us the memorable Religious Instruction teacher, Mrs Stewart. Her teenage party-goer also provides a valuable lesson: never mix Passion Pop and Fruity Lexia. I’m still laughing at the show’s classic teen party scene!

Fourteen’s action takes place in Yeppoon on the Queensland coast, but really could mirror many Aussie (and international) country towns. Capturing the true late-1990s era is crucial to the story (think pre-texting, no Facebook, dial-up modems, marriage equality just a distant dream) and it is achieved brilliantly with a set design by Josh McIntosh that effortlessly takes us from the schoolroom to the suburbs, and oh-so-familiar school uniforms and era-appropriate costumes by Fabian Holford. Some great lighting by Trent Suidgeest helps us get to the High School Disco, with snappy choreography by Dan Venz. Guy Webster has heaps of fun with the sound design (special mention for his Assembly Hall standard issue crackle-and-feedback microphone) and of course the inspiring soundtrack, featuring all the single-named divas – Madonna, Shania, Britney – and more, who will remind you of the importance of music in your life (and leave you humming – and even dancing – on your way out of the theatre). This play will be enjoyed by a wide audience, but will particularly resonate for anyone who has grown up in a small town, felt alien in their own surrounds, or yearned for a completely different life. Thanks go to Shannon Molloy for sharing his personal story and proving that there is life after age 14 – particularly if you are brave enough to be yourself.

Beth Keehn

Photographer: David Fell

Find out about Fourteen: www.qpac.com.au/event/bf_shake_stir_fourteen_22