Blowing Whistles
Threesomes, booty calls and hidden agendas run rife as the queer hit play Blowing Whistles returns to Sydney
For many gay couples in an open relationship, shopping online is not a pastime restricted to eBay. For these adventurous partners, picking up a booty call can find its way at the top of the shopping list, as UK playwright Matthew Todd's smash hit production, Blowing Whistles, colourfully demonstrates.
Described by Todd as a "plea for honesty - with cock jokes", the play follows the lives of Nigel and Jamie, a couple who have enjoyed the freedom of an open relationship for some time until they meet 'cumboy_17' on the eve of Mardi Gras. The next 24 hours has a significant impact on all three lives.
As his tale weaves through the elements of drama and humour Todd looks at the issues of honesty, trust and hidden agendas.
"I wrote the play after I'd been dumped and was angry about the lies people tell in relationships," says Todd. "I don't think we treat each other very well much of the time. I think a lot of that comes from the shit we often go through growing up - and I think to get over it, we need to face up to it."
The season return of the queer hit brings with it newcomer Lachlan Mantell who plays cumboy_17. With a catchy name like that it's fair to assume some serious research into Mantell's character was required. "I actually didn't know a whole lot about Gaydar before I took on his role," claims Mantell. "I created a profile based on my character and put up photos. I had some really interesting encounters talking to people online, which made me realise how much more accurate the play was than I had originally supposed."
While the play serves up some hilarious moments, it also explores the more serious side of online cruising within open relationships, as Mantell points out. "A big problem that faces the gay community is the need to be affirmed through sexuality. The greater the number of sexual encounters, the more vibrant, well-regarded, attractive, and desirable we can tell ourselves we are." That is definitely some food for thought for those with sticky typing fingers, and a preview into the issues raised in this unique production. Dee Pelling
Blowing Whistles is playing at Darlinghurst Theatre
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