Heroes

Heroes is the first full length production presented by MYTH (Marloo Youth Theatre), and is a polished, well-presented production with outstanding production values. Nicely directed, it features a talented cast of 28 young people aged 9 to 18.

The story of Jamie - who writes stories for his best friend Megan, who is in hospital - the show takes us into the worlds of Jamie’s writing against the background of Jamie and Megan’s own journeys.

The storytelling theme is highlighted with an awesome set. The “plays within the play” take place on a raised stage that takes the form of a giant book. Very impressive design work throughout - with the fabulous set by Luke Miller and Shelly Miller and evocative lighting design from Shelly Miller. Excellent projections by Evelyn Grummet also serve the show well. The execution of the show, however is firmly in the hands of the youth, with MYTH members as Stage Manager (Caitlyn Moloney), and Sound Designer (Jonathan Bigelow), Lighting Operator (Timothy Zuiddam) all doing an excellent job. MYTH Graduate Sophie David served as Assistant Director.

Central character Jamie is played with depth and understanding by Keaton Humphreys in a sensitive performance that anchors the show beautifully. His friend Megan is given strength by Lilly Miller, while Sarah Zuiddam gives maturity to Jamie’s Mother and Jade Netherway is lovely as his encouraging teacher. Bailey O’Hehir brings layers to the role of Doctor Harris in his final MYTH performance.

Medieval Story includes some of the best of Marjorie DeCaux’s costume design (lovely throughout), as Sir Leofrick Gallantly (a very forthright and heroic Beau van de Beeke) attempts to rescue the lovely Princess Maerwynn (nicely played by Maddie Lyons) from the clutches of the evil Kalinya the Witch (a formidable Zoe Carr). Lots of lovely characters including Tory Hounsome’s supportive Squire Cassius, Felix Steinwandel’s doom predicting Joaquin the Bard, Mia Carpenter’s stately queen and Ingrid Petersohn’s Woman of the Well. 

A Silent Movie, designed to cheer Megan, features Ellie Jones as a Damsel in Distress being held captive by Zac Maloney’s evil caped villain. Sienna Stidwell steps into the hero’s spot in this tale, helped (not terribly well) by a quartet of beautifully bumbling policemen (Jonathan Bigelow, Caitlyn Maloney, Levi Guest and Sarah Zuiddam). Nicely filmed and acted with a good understanding of style.

Superhero Story is a comic book delight, featuring Levi Guest as a muscled and swaggering Captain Awesome, with William Swadling - very funny as his wannabe sidekick The CobWeb Kid - as they face the evil schemes of Doctor Notorious (a fabulously larger than life Felix Steinwandel) and his evil associates Farah Fatale (a true femme fatale as played by Georgia Stidwell) and the notorious Cheetah (well played by Harley Milotic). Solid cameos include Maya Boeser’s efficient reporter Laney Lewis.

The final tale, Cowboy Story, features a heroine Casey Jo (an Annie Oakleyesque Chloe Van der Beeke) who battles bad guy Blackhat Bob (given great attitude by Tyler Ward) and his buddies Snakebreath and Digger (Holly O’Brien and Hannah Swadling). Again, lots of strongly characterised roles including Jade Netherway’s kind and practical Margie, Tory Hounsome’s earnest and brave Luke and Jay Thompson’s drawling barman. 

The cast throughout are focused and hard working with all actors giving their best work.

The show deals with some heavy issues and examines the notion of heroism in its raw form. Great work and understanding from this cast who nicely played a show that swings from raucous hijinks to despair. A great choice of show for this company, as it challenged actors of varying ability.

Heroes is an enjoyable experience for the audience and an emotional rollercoaster. Well done to all involved.

Kimberley Shaw