Boy Girl Wall

Melbourne Theatre Company’s Lawler Studio is off to a cracking start with the romantic comedy Boy Girl Wall. Set in Brisbane’s West End,  the play tells the story of Tom, 31, who works in IT and has no idea what the company he works for actually does. Alethea is also 31, a children’s illustrator who hates mornings, her smarmy publisher and the fast approaching deadline for her next book. The only thing that stands between these future lovers meeting is the wall separating their apartments.

In just over an hour, armed with just a piece of chalk, Lucas Stibbard unfolds Tom and Alethea’s story before your eyes, quite literally at times. The stage is analogue sophistication, chalk boards on both the floor and wall become whatever the story requires – an apartment lay out, furniture, computers, the ever present anthropomorphic wall. Stibbard is excellent as the narrator and sole performer, his energy, timing and love of the material is inspiring. The actor has an undeniable gift for comedy, particularly physical, that transcends Boy Girl Wall from what could be just a ‘quirky’ play into something quite extraordinary.

Neridah Waters’ score is lovely and lends the perfect atmosphere to Stibbard’s frenetic pace. I don’t say many things for certain, but I can say everything I have seen at the Lawler Studio has been brilliant. Take punt, I’m positive you will enjoy it.

Boy Girl Wall is playing at MTC’s Lawler Studio until May 4.
For tickets visit mtc.com.au.