Acclaimed UK play ‘New Boy’ makes its South African premiere at The NewSpace Theatre, with an all South African cast.

The opening minutes of this play have me slinking lower in my seat, rather embarrassed, as I wait to sense the reaction of the friend next to me in response to the very explicit sexual discussion taking place from the stage.

But it doesn’t take long for us to settle and for the references to become really funny.

This is a pertinent look at sex. And high school. And how the experiences of those two are intricately entwined.

Barry is the New Boy – aloof and attractive, who pays very few people any attention. And yet, he establishes a friendship with the ultra-stereotypically-looking-and-behaving nerdy Mark. They are, it emerges, both virgins, although Mark has spent a lot of time thinking about how best to change that, while Barry waits for the one. Mark’s encouragement to change that status quo leads to all sorts of interesting developments, in their lives, and in their friendship.

It’s not hard to imagine why the girls would, and do, fawn after Barry – Stephen Jubber has a beautiful body (a shower scene leaves very little to the imagination). But it is Clive Gilson as Mark who must take the proverbial cake. He really assumes the part – looking and behaving every bit the struggling schoolboy in a perfectly believable performance.

My other favourite thing is the set… colourful and functional, with sliding bits and many things which open and shut. Unassuming lockers yield glasses of wine and changes of clothes. Much credit to the production team, whose design and lighting go a long way towards making this show work.

The supporting roles are not to be underestimated, with the most credible performance by Gahlia Phillips.

It’s funny, contains much truth, and is really well presented – in my opinion easily one of the better offerings from The NewSpace this year.

Directed by Russell Labey, adapted for stage by Labey, from the novel by William Sutcliffe. Lighting is by Jane Gosnell with set designed by Leopold Senekal. Starring Stephen Jubber as the new boy Barry, Nicole Franco as Margaret, Clive Gilson as Mark, Dylan Edy as Dan, and Gahlia Phillips as Louise.

New Boy runs at The NewSpace Theatre (44 Long Street) till 15 November 2009. Performances are from Mondays to Fridays at 8pm with a matinee show at 5pm on Saturdays. Tickets range from R95 to R130 via Computicket and Mondays are ‘buy one get one free’ nights via 021 422 5522. PG 16 (language and nudity).

Fiona Gordon
fiona@artslink.co.za
www.artslink.co.za

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