I've been in a show and we got the first review this morning.

One of my favourite places to be, all time, is in a theatre, either watching a show, hanging out, or being in a show. I find a real joy in being on stage with a script in one hand and putting myself in the shoes of a character I don't know and trying to work out who they are. And I love the fact that, with a bit of work, you can become someone else. With the right set, the right costume, and other actors around you, you can become someone completely different and have your friends not recognise you.

Since the beginning of June, I have been hard at work rehearsing for a show. I went to the audition, planning to give my all to an audition I would be proud of even if I didn't get a role. About two hours later I sat in a stunned silence as the director announced I had the lead role. As someone who has only played supporting cast, it was stunning news. I went auditioning for one of the supporting cast, in no way had I expected the lead.

The show opened two weeks ago, the 20th of September and we've been doing about five shows a week. I will be honest and say that it has been absolutely exhausting for me. The play runs for about 120 minutes, with intermission, and it's full on physically and emotionally. Despite its exhaustiveness, it's been an absolute blast performing a show I'm proud of, with a cast I am super proud to be working with.

Our first review of the show came out this morning on Stage Whispers. As an actor, personally, I act because I want to. I want to be someone else. I love that. But also as an actor, it's fantastic when you spend so much time and effort rehearsing for a show and you finally perform it in front of an audience and they love it. It's one of the best boosts you could ever get. It's lovely to get recognition for your work. This review gave my ego a boost, but also a sense of relief in that I succeeded with my first lead role. But I gotta shout out to all the cast and crew because everyone has worked so hard on this show and without any one of them, the show would not have been the same.

Equus at Brisbane Arts Theatre

Earlier in the year I took a day off work to audition for a role in a play at Brisbane Arts Theatre on Petrie Terrace. A few days after the audition I received a call that I was actually cast! Shock of shocks, fantastic news! My first play. So now, two months later and many hours spent rehearsing, we are two weeks away from opening.

Equus.

"Dr. Martin Dysart, a dissatisfied and disaffected psychiatrist, is faced with a unique case when a young man, Alan Strang, is brought to him for treatment. In his efforts to coax Alan out of his shell and treat him, Dr Dysart begins to unravel the complex psychological puzzle of Alan's obsessions. Underneath Alan's complacent manner, Dr Dysart discovers a fervent, passionate, almost religious power that has both the ability to destroy Alan, and perhaps, the save the doctor himself.

English playright Sir Peter Shaffer (1926-2016)'s international hit is a dazzling, complex, and thrilling look at passion, sex, religion, and sanity" (Brisbane Arts Theatre 20016).

With 17 shows, opening the 30th of July to 3rd September, Equus is a show not to be missed. Starring yours truly as a horse and young horseman (role shared between myself and another actor), and a cast of amazing people, it is the best show you will see all year.

Tickets found at Brisbane Arts Theatre website:
http://www.artstheatre.com.au/equus