IRL

“What would I see if I found a tiny door that leads into your unconscious?”

At Supanova, a pop culture convention swirling with cosplay, crushes, and chaotic fandoms, Alexei is about to meet his internet love Thaddeus in real life. But when nerves take over, Alexei impulsively assumes a false identity to test the boy of his dreams. As their first date unfolds, Alexei’s best friend Taylor begins channeling the anti-capitalist vigilante superhero she plays on TV, and the line between fantasy and reality starts to bleed.

IRL is a queer rom-com about growing up online, first love, and the pop-cultural confusion of being young in a world where everything feels like cosplay.

Productions

• La Boite Theatre Company (2023)
  Directed by Sanja Simic. Set and Costume Design by Anthony Spinaze.
  Cast: Will Bartolo, Rachel Nutney, Byron Lancaster Howells.​

• Kings Cross Theatre (KXT) on Broadway (2024)
  Directed by Eugene Lynch. Set Design by Lochie Odgers. Costume Design by Lily Mateljan. Lighting Design by Topaz Marlay-Cole.
  Choreography/Movement Direction by Cassidy McDermott-Smith. Dramaturgy by Aaron Ronalds. Voice & Text Coaching by Patrick Klavins. Intimacy Consultancy by Madee Osborn.
  Assistant Direction by Luke Visentin. Stage Management by Sherydan Simson. Assistant Stage Management by Thomas Hamilton.
  Produced by Jason Jefferies, Bridget Haberecht & Eugene Lynch.

Praise for IRL

“Treston's signature camp comedy invites you into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are delightfully blurred.” – Stage Whispers
“This is a comedy that breaks the mould.” – Westender
“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
“About the confusion of being a teenager… and how pop culture blurs our perception of reality.” – Yen Rong Wong

Buy IRL here.