FootyBoy
FootyBoy follows The Dolphins AFL club in a world of mixed gendered professional sport and a "knock" that allows James to communicate with a higher voice of support he’s never heard before. James loves footy. He's one of the best. So was his dad. Bill Chappell put the Dolphins on the map! But he left an unwanted legacy. A voice in James’ head that makes him stumble when he needs to stand. His team doesn’t know what to do. Hands is a supportive captain, but that can only go so far. Cox wants him off the team, and Butter…well they're just happy to be there! Will a voice of support be enough in The Grand Final? Energetic movement, music, and a nuanced script, FootyBoy is about the ups and downs of the game, self-worth we tie to success, and the essence of football beyond the limits of gender.
FootyBoy wins the Grand Final at FRINGE WORLD with this energetic and engaging play about AFL team The Dolphins. Through a mix of drama, comedy, dance, and athleticism, the production explores the physical and mental challenges of sport and the personal struggles that unite a team.
Performed by a talented five-person cast, the show cleverly fills the intimate stage with nothing but a bench and a footy ball, proving that minimal props can deliver maximum impact. The four-person, mixed-gender footy team radiates energy, their athletic choreography seamlessly incorporating classic footy moves—kicking, handballing, shepherding, look-away handpasses—enhanced by music and striking slow-motion sequences.
At its core, FootyBoy is more than just a sports story. The training sessions and climactic game serve as a backdrop for a powerful exploration of family, particularly the fractured relationship between James and his father. As a child, James found footy thrilling, but as he climbed the ranks, the pressure and expectations became overwhelming. His father’s attempt to live vicariously through his achievements only intensified the struggle, forcing James to search for his own identity beyond the game.
A poignant water metaphor runs throughout the performance, representing both the sensation of drowning under pressure and the potential to rise above it. The show also thoughtfully incorporates mental health themes, with moments of "Crystal Time" where each player’s strengths are celebrated, and humorous nods to Emotional Intelligence training.
The electric atmosphere in the audience was reminiscent of an actual footy match—cheers, laughter, and applause erupting as the team tackled their triumphs and tribulations. The rousing finale, set to a Cat Stevens song, was the perfect send-off.
This action-packed 60-minute performance had the full house at the State Theatre Centre’s Rehearsal Room #1 enthralled. With shows running from the 5th to the 8th of February and tickets selling fast, this is one you don’t want to miss!