The Boys On The Bus
Recently, I had the privilege of watching the opening performance of Jopuka’s production of The Boys on the Bus by award-winning playwright Jamie Hornsby, performed at the Launch Pad. Having never seen any of Hornsby’s previous works, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, I was completely captivated by the coming-of-age drama that unfolded before me.
Nestled in the heart of rural Australia, The Boys on the Bus follows the lives of those who remain behind (by choice or circumstance) and reminds us that contentment is not reserved for a privileged few, but attainable by all who dare to dream.
Hornsby’s writing is exquisite, showcasing his exceptional talent that has won him numerous awards for his prior works. His script a captivating cocktail with a balanced mix of comedy and drama which expertly encapsulates the tumultuous experience that is adolescence. Hornsby delves into the challenges of growing up in the regions, exploring issues of class, identity, and purpose with remarkable candour and authenticity.
For such an intimate space, Joshua Maxwell’s stage direction does an incredible job of ensuring that the stage never feels empty, and I thoroughly enjoyed the creative and experimental lighting and sound design that they incorporated into the performance.
The entire cast should be applauded on their raw, authentic portrayals of Hornsby’s characters. They were an incredibly cohesive ensemble, who pushed each other to new heights and exceeded all expectations I had previously held for these talented performers.
Led by the talented Max Lindhardt-Ward as 'Max', the titular 'boys' on the bus delivered nothing short of a phenomenal performance. Alongside him, Samuel Saifiti and Kani Lukuta commanded the stage as ‘Jason’ and ‘Cork’, whilst Xander Rush and Christopher Eadie kept me laughing as ‘Todd’ and ‘Nate’.
Although the actors showed great vulnerability and conviction, the choreographed intimacy and action scenes could have been smoother. However, the scenes led by Calem Madden as 'Brett' and Jacob Bloor as 'Swimmer' were still brilliant and left the room brimming with tension.
The highlight of the show for me was the effortlessly hilarious wit of Kyra Kent as ‘Saffron’. Besides her evident talent for comedic timing, she also demonstrated an incredible sense for when to switch to a more sombre tone, showcasing to the audience that everything isn’t always ‘sparkly’ (you’ll get it).
Overall, the production team and the cast excelled in bringing this story to life. Although I feel that the teenage profanities and black comedy will be divisive with some audiences, the actors brought so much personality to a script that is already overflowing with it. I thoroughly enjoyed this performance, and highly recommend catching it if you get the chance.
Steph Hanlon
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