New twist on an old classic

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Locally raised actor Nick Atkins honed his skills at the Q Theatre and now he’s returning to the venue with his first ever solo show ‘A Boy & A Bean’.

The show, which is devised by and stars Atkins, is being presented in association with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival.

This offbeat yet touching contemporary comedy-drama addresses the important and topical issue of marriage equality head on.

After holding its world premiere in PACT Theatre in Erskineville, ‘A Boy & A Bean’ is heading to Penrith and will be showing at the Q Theatre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre from Wednesday, February 19 until Saturday, February 22.

The play uses the classic fairytale ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ to explore the marriage equality debate, taking audiences into a world where giants dwell in suburban houses, beanstalks take root in corrupted soil and a boy called Jack is caught between love, legislation and folk lore.

Inspired by the amount of attention the marriage equality debate receives in the media and community, ‘A Boy & A Bean’ explores the issue and the controversial history of proposed legislation.

Atkins, who grew up in Emu Plains, follows the journey of Jack in search of the giants who have dominated media discussion about same sex marriage in a play that reframes the debate in a compassionate, brave and clever way.

Regardless of your personal perspective on same sex marriage, ‘A Boy & A Bean’ is an engaging play that gives audiences the chance to consider information and experience a story that presents the journey of people directly affected by marriage equality.

With recent media and political focus on marriage equality, including the controversy surrounding the first Australian same sex marriages in Canberra last year, ‘A Boy & A Bean’ is perfectly timed.

With its intelligent and witty reflection on a serious political issue, the play is an exciting creation from one of Australia’s rising performers.

‘A Boy & A Bean’ will show at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre from Wednesday, February 19 until Saturday, February 22. Tickets range from $18 to $25. For bookings or more information, call 4723 7600 or visit http://www.jspac.com.au.

Weekender News Network

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