IRL

“What is the difference between real and pretend when the pretend is sometimes more real than reality?”

Alexei and his long-time internet crush, Thaddeus, are about to meet IRL (in real life) at the Supanova pop culture convention. Then, In a moment of regrettable self-sabotage, Alexei assumes a false identity to test the authenticity of his would-be boyfriend. But, Alexei’s celebrity best friend Taylor begins channelling the anti-capitalist vigilante superhero she plays on TV, the thin line between fantasy and reality wiggles wildly out of control.

Produced by La Boite Theatre Company (2023). Directed by Sanja Simic. Set and costume design by Anthony Spinaze. Cast: Will Bartolo, Rachel Nutney, and Byron Lancaster Howells.

Buy IRL here.

“It’s about the confusion of being a teenager (let alone a gay teenager), how we as a society have been subsumed by the ubiquity of popular culture, and how this has blurred the lines between reality and what we perceive to be reality.” Reviewer Yen Rong Wong.

“This is a comedy that breaks the mould.” Westender.

“Sitting next to a teen who gave a “LOL” to every joke on opening night, this reviewer found IRL clearly a crowd pleaser for younger audiences, with plenty of silliness for the young at heart.” ArtsHub.

“Asks some serious questions about the kind of people we’re becoming: namely, digital slaves to a rapidly shrinking pool of globalised electric dreams.” Brisbane Times.

“Lewis Treston's signature camp comedy invites you into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are delightfully blurred.” Stage Whispers.