A Bundaberg playwright and a former local man turned professional actor are getting together for a theatre restaurant performance described as a “unique experience” for all involved.
For two shows only, Blood Gravy will feature at Oodies Cafe before it heads to fringe festivals around Australia.
The dark comedy about cannibalism is written by playwright and Creative Regions artistic director Dianne Wills and will launch as a theatre restaurant show on 4-5 July before travelling to the ArtsAblaze conference on the Scenic Rim in October.
Blood Gravy theatre restaurant
Di said the production was a stomach-churning laugh-out-loud can’t-believe-they-said-that humour that had been in the works for quite a while.
“It is a bit an evolution which started after we showcased our production of Grey Nomads v The World in 2017,” she said.
“We had such a great response and wanted to tour the production but found it would be too difficult.
“That's when Blood Gravy was born, out of the desire to do something tourable.”
Di said the theatre restaurant show would be like nothing the region had seen before, with the audience invited to join in on the shenanigans.
“Often when we watch a play we are encouraged to applaud and cheer but this time it will be quite different,” she said.
“The story is set at an AGM of the Secret Society of Cannibals and the audience will be heavily involved.
“It will be nerve wracking for us because they can potentially overthrow the show; it will create some awkward moments but will also be very humorous.”
Kyle Walmsley returns to home town
Actor Kyle Walmsley, who was born and bred in Bundaberg, has come back to feature as the main character in the show and said it would be an experience not to miss.
“This is a black comedy which has a very unique storyline,” he said.
“The content will make the audience gasp and laugh out loud all at once.”
Kyle is a director, performer and theatre maker having worked with companies around Australia including Queensland Arts Council/ArtsLink, Darwin Community Arts, Brown's Mart Theatre and more.
He was a national finalist in ABC's Raw Comedy Competition and state finalist in Green Faces Comedy Competition and has won Fringe Festival awards for one person shows at Newcastle Fringe Festival and Darwin Fringe Festival.
He said his trip back home for Blood Gravy was something very special for him.
“I have known Di Wills for a very long time and throughout my career we have remained friends,” he said.
“When she asked if I wanted to be involved in her production I said yes.
“To be able to return to my home town and share my passion is very important to me.”
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