Did you know that the Brisbane Arts Theatre has been entertaining crowds since 1936?

This makes 76 years of dynamic, thought-provoking, hilarious live theatre where anyone and everyone is welcome. Notably among the luminaries that have graced their stage are Barry Otto, Carol Burns and Michael Caton. The fun facts keep coming. The park opposite the theatre is named after Vic Hardgrave — one of the two founding members (the other was his wife Jean Trundle). Let’s not forget that they also have absolutely no government funding even though they are the oldest surviving community theatre in Brisbane.

The most important fact however is this; they are about to stage a new show ‘The Boys Next Door’ and Kym Brown the theatre manager described it as “… an emotional rollercoaster with a side of doughnuts!” Surely your interest is now piqued (albeit possibly confused by the description) and you must know what it’s all about. Well, the story is based around “four mentally handicapped men who live in a communal residence under the supervision of Jack, an earnest, but increasingly ‘burned-out’ young social worker,” explains Kym. She adds, “The play is mingled with scenes from the daily lives of Norman, Lucian, Arnold and Barry, where ‘little things’ sometimes become momentous (and often very funny). This creates moments of great poignancy when we are reminded that the handicapped, like the rest of us, want only to love and laugh and find some meaning and purpose.”

Artistic Director John Boyce jumps in and points out, “Frankly, it’s just a good play!” Boyce was keen to include it in the 2012 programme for various reasons as he explains, “It is funny, touching, takes audiences on an emotional journey, and is highly engaging.  We are aiming to showcase some slightly unknown plays, offering audiences something different to the mainstream theatre available in Brisbane.” He laughs and mentions, “We like to do things a little left of centre, and off the beaten track.”

A point that is emphatically supported by director Shaun King as he explains an interesting rehearsal the cast had recently. “One of the cast was unavailable for a rehearsal (a male), and Cindy Nelson (who plays some supporting roles) read in for this actor. Her portrayal of this disabled man was so hilarious and convincing, I seriously considered recasting the play! It just goes to show the calibre of the actors involved in this show.” Remembering that all involved are doing this for the sheer love of theatre (with no pay) so at times it can get difficult juggling all the metaphorical balls. King puts it simply, “You just learn to live with no sleep! But the end is well worth the price. The rewards are working with a high calibre of people (both on and off the stage), who aren’t doing ‘amateur’ theatre because they can’t ‘make it’ professionally — most of them just do it for the love, and are just as talented and dedicated as the professionals.”

The show deals with some heavy issues and awkward, uncomfortable truths but the beauty of this play is the way in which these are handled and expressed. Assistant Director Carrie Buttar agrees wholeheartedly and adds, “You will be on a rollercoaster of emotions!” She laughs then continues seriously, “You have been warned. This show will touch audiences deeply — there will be both laughs and tears.”

‘The Boys Next Door’ plays from March 10 until April 7 at the Brisbane Arts Theatre.