A retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet that will make you feel right at home!

Bogan Shakespeare uses the deep-rooted competition between the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers to cause the great divide between the two main families. The conflicts in AFL fan culture when performed to fit the Shakespearian ‘Romeo and Juliet’ plot creates a hilarious iteration of a classic story.

This play uses Aussie and Western Australian references to its advantage, holding a connection with the audience from the beginning like we’re all a part of an inside joke. The characters are written to mock themselves and the ‘bogan’ culture whilst performing with wit and professionalism. As it has reached its 10-year anniversary of the play’s creation, it has clearly connected with audiences over the years. The recent pop culture references demonstrate that the show has been kept updated as the times change, and therefore remains timeless.

The performance contains a small ensemble cast of actors who were able to believably and seamlessly move between multiple roles. The comical one-liners and monologues were performed with the conviction needed in order to land with the audience. Even with the darker themes of death from the original Shakespeare play being included, the performance never strays away from remaining humorous and light-hearted.

The props and costumes used, flannelette shirts and AFL merchandise, assists in bringing the ‘bogan’ aspect of the play to life. The tale being set in the suburb of Ellenbrook will create familiarity for a Perth-based audience, especially the artistic efforts that make the stage appear like an authentic Aussie pub. Don’t expect to see eloquent declarations of love, here you will find dialogue written from a great understanding of the crowds you find at your local pub.

This Fringe Festival show is a must-see if you’re looking for a theatre production that encapsulates the Australian humour and references of thong fights, swearing, and your favourite footy team.