Making its World Premiere at FRINGE WORLD 2026 is Bottle Boys, a new work by up-and-coming playwright Hugh McGuire.

Bottle Boys is a funny, chaotic and emotional dark-comedy set in a small town. It centres around two brothers, Jack and Nash Barton, and their late father's bottle shop, which they now own, and which Nash is planning to sell. All while Jack continues to spiral, as he battles with drug addiction, and both boys lament the lives they could have had.  

Then, there is Aaron, a new employee at the bottle shop, who makes it his business to learn all the town's quirks and secrets, which include a mysterious cat burial and a local's traumatic past. And, there is a surprising crime to boot. What more could you want in a night at the theatre?

Bottle Boys features a dynamic cast of talented local actors, interpreting a range of multi-faceted characters who bring McGuire’s vision to life, with apparent ease and enthusiasm. For me, the Policeman character was a definite standout. Along with the Kangaroo, (just try not to get too attached to him).

This show is very clever, sometimes confronting, and often nail-biting. But mostly, it is chock full of heart. Leaving audiences wanting more.