Bundaberg’s Kyle Walmsley has used his time during COVID lockdowns to create a quirky theatre production called Oyster Boy, set to be showcased at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre tomorrow night.
The production is one of the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre’s key season events in its Spring Program and has been sponsored by Council.
Kyle said his show was all about exploring self-reflection and the decisions that have to be made throughout life.
With help from co-producer Elizabeth Millington, Kyle said he came up with the idea for the production after COVID saw many people spend time in isolation and in a space with their own thoughts.
“Oyster Boy is a show that has come from the impulse to do something after spending a lot more time inside last year than we expected,” Kyle said.
“We explore the idea of what it means when you’re contained to your room or a house and look inwards a bit more and self-reflection.
“From there we transferred that on to a bit more of a magical story of a boy inside an oyster shell and what happens when you are stuck in your own circumstances and what decisions you have to make.”
Kyle’s passion for the stage began during his time growing up in the region, attending Sharon State School, where he took part in his first production at the Sharon CWA Hall.
“This show is significant to me as Bundaberg is where I first got a taste of acting and theatre at Sharon State School,” he said.
“My first taste of theatre was a play on at the Sharon CWA Hall and then I got involved in the playhouse theatre and did drama regularly which is what put me on the path to pursue theatre.”
Kyle said he was excited to bring his show back to his hometown .
“I have regional audiences in mind and this is the kind of show I would want to watch as someone growing up in Bundaberg,” he said.
“It is a good reminder that there is life beyond tough times or anything that I might be going through at the moment.
“There is silliness at the heart of the show, but it is unusual, different and quirky so I encourage everyone to take the risk and come along.”
Kyle Walmsley is the brother of Ashley Walmsley who performed his comedy Welcome to Fundaberg at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre earlier this year.
Purchase tickets for the show here.
Event details:
When: 17 July 2021
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
What: Oyster Boy
Cost: Adult $25.00, Concession $15.00
