OBSERVER: Trophy Boys


The acclaimed queer black comedy Trophy Boys is returning to Arts Centre Melbourne from August 12 – 24.
Set on the night of the Grand Final of the Year 12 Interschool Debating Tournament – Trophy Boys follows the all-boys debate team from an elite private school as they are tasked with arguing that ‘feminism has failed women’.
Written by Emmanuelle Mattana (ABC’s Mustangs FC) and directed by Marni Mount (POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive) and performed by a female and non-binary cast in masculine drag, the play unfolds in real time during the debate’s one-hour prep window as the riotously funny satire turns into a sharp exploration of power and privilege.
Trophy Boys debuted to sold-out crowds at La Mama Theatre in 2022, followed by sold-out seasons at fortyfivedownstairs in 2023 and Arts Centre Melbourne last year.
Off the back of Trophy Boys’ success in Australia, a US production premiered this year, directed by Tony Award-winning Danya Taymor and Mattana as a member of the cast.
For the Arts Centre Melbourne season, Leigh Lule returns as the nerdy enigma David, along with Gaby Seow as the dopey lawyer’s son Scott and Fran Sweeney-Nash as the soft-boy-jock Jared. Myfanwy Hocking will debut as the brainiac scholarship kid Owen.
Performance Season: August 12 – 24
Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio
Bookings: artscentremelbourne.com.au
Cheryl Threadgold

Pictured: Leigh Lule, Gaby Seow, Fran Sweeney-Nash and Myfanwy Hocking star in Trophy Boys.