Blue: The Trials And Joys Of Growing Up ~ Adelaide Festival 2024/State Theatre Company Review

[THEATRE ~ AUS] Scott Theatre, University of Adelaide, Tue 28 Feb, 2024. Blue is the colour of the ocean. It is also the colour associated with depression. You also turn blue when starved of oxygen when you drown. These are central themes in the life of a young boy called Mark. In a wonderful virtuoso performance from Callan Purcell, we watch Mark grow from boy to man. He is particularly close to his brother and mother. Mark and his mother both love writing and as Mark gets older their relationship is enriched through the regular exchange of letters. Thomas Weatherall’s script is lucid and realistic. It just flows of itself, and Purcell brings it effortlessly to life in a very natural way. Apart from some moments of deeper emotion, it almost feels casual; as if Callum is sitting across from you out on the veranda chatting about his life. It’s quite charming and totally engaging. Another big plus are the striking projected visuals. We see the ocean in its many moods, and in one scene of extreme feelings the backdrop becomes a burning desert orange. These changes are gradual, slowly morphing from one state to another in a way that renders them almost subliminal. They are beautiful to watch. Blue is a tale about growing up – about dealing with loss and feelings of inadequacy; about how you need to front up for the next episode of life no matter what it serves up. And for Mark the ocean is a key factor in learning that life giveth and life taketh away. Endearing, and visually stunning. Directed by Deborah Brown Video design by David Bergman Blue is a Belvoir St Theatre production presented by State Theatre Company South Australia in association with Adelaide Festival. 4.5 stars Michael Coghlan Blue continues at Scott Theatre, University of Adelaide, at various time until Sat 16 Mar. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ClotheslineMag #ADLfringe