STORM BOY
Image: Rory Potter in 'Storm Boy', photo by Brett Boardman
Sydney Theatre Company and Perth’s Barking Gecko Theatre Company have teamed up for a new production to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Colin Thiele’s much-loved Australian children’s classic, Storm Boy.
“There is a great affection many Australians have for Storm Boy,” says Director John Sheedy, “it is arguably one of the greatest Australian stories of all time.”
Set on the windswept coast of South Australia, the tale follows a young boy who befriends a cast of curious characters as he roams the Coorong, including Fingerbone Bill and the pelican Mr Percival.
“The friendship between Storm Boy and his beloved bird resonates on a level that is innocent and true,” says Sheedy, who explains that the puppet pelicans on stage are “physically articulate” as they “fly, waddle, peck, play catch and click and clack about”.
Adapted for the stage by Tom Holloway, the play stars Joshua Challenor and Rory Potter in alternating roles as Storm Boy, Trevor Jamieson as Fingerbone Bill and Peter O’Brien as the boy’s father Hideaway Tom.
“The characters are timeless and the story of loss and friendship is still poignant today,” says Sheedy. (KM)
Aug 9-Sep 8, Sydney Theatre Company, Pier 4/5 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, $25-30, (02) 9250 1777, sydneytheatre.com.au
BY KATIE MAYORS
