Teenagers trying to make sense of life, although a bit of a cliché, is a major part of growing up and to varying degrees is the theme of this year’s Young and Hungry Festival of New Theatre.

The first of the three plays that make up the Festival, currently playing at Bats Theatre, is Bloody Hell Jesus (Get Your Own Friends), written by Lucy Craig and directed by Jane Yonge.

A person’s beliefs, be they atheist, Christian, semi-Christian or that of a metal-header in a rock band, should never be a barrier to long and lasting friendships. But to Shelly, the central character in this play, it becomes painfully obvious that it can be. [More] 

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The experience of inevitable change in ‘tribal’ allegiances on the journey through teenage to young adulthood gets a lively airing in Lucy Craig’s Bloody Hell Jesus (Get Your Own Friends), directed with a light but ‘on point’ touch by Jane Yonge.

Two quarter-pipe skate park ramps dominate Talei Timakata’s impressive set while a drum kit occupies the upstage alcove. While no skateboards or BMX bike are employed, Yonge makes excellent use of the opportunities to physicalise the ‘quest for self in the maelstrom of life’ story, as told by Shelly (Sophie Coomber).

Shelly is happy to take her cues in life from her confident and opinionated Best Friend Forever, Lauren (Nora Maarleveld), who is especially scornful of Bindi (Bella Cook)’s Christianity. While she repels all advances from the boys, however, Lauren is amused that something might be brewing between Shelly and guitarist Drew (Chris Watts).  

The cast is completed with ‘bad’ band boy Eric (Andy Gartrell), stroppy percussionist Spike (Ruby Hanson), Christian group boys Rob (Zakary Brown and Tim (Matthew Savage), and the all-important Hipster Jesus (Tim Fraser).

The actors who inhabit their roles compel us to believe in them and so relate to the whole unfolding story, while the odd bit of over-acting is distracting and counter-productive. Hopefully this will be sorted as the season proceeds.

I won’t reveal the twist that forces Shelly to realise she has to own her own life rather than hide in the shadow of others or even been led by someone else’s light. Suffice to say its description as “a big hairy elephant with a fart problem” exemplifies Craig’s facility with juicy dialogue. The ‘epiphany’ running gag is fun too.  

So BFFs, potentially romantic relationships, music preferences, what to do, who to be and questions of faith all come into play in entertaining ways as Shelly’s story romps through time and umpteen locations without missing a beat. Even though she herself is convincingly bewildered much of the time, the production holds its focus on her quest. And a very poignant moment towards the end deepens the whole experience.

A welcome reflection of – or insight into (depending on your perspective) – how life is at that age these days, Bloody Hell Jesus (Get Your Own Friends) is a strong opener to this year’s Young & Hungry Festival of New Theatre.

Links to other Young & Hungry reviews:
Like Sex
Dead Days. 

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