The 'No Bang Theory', a brilliantly candid one-man show by Oliver Hetherington-Page, had Brisbane all abuzz. Presented at Metro Arts as part of the Brisbane Festival, this heartwarming (and cheeky!) performance blended cabaret, comedy, and theatre in a truly memorable way.
Oliver Hetherington-Page, Brisbane’s own acclaimed cabaret performer, lit up the stage with an impressive collection of blazers that would make any diva envious. Accompanied by Tim on the piano, a rack of coats, a few witty signs — including one that read #actuallyautistic — the setup created a perfect backdrop for Oliver’s sparkling personality.
The show kicked off with a Brisbane-twist on "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" from Oklahoma!—now dubbed "Oh What a Stinking Hot Morning." From the get-go, Oliver disarmed the audience with self-deprecating humour as he opened up about life as a 26-year-old autistic virgin... Talk about starting with a bang!
Oliver’s creativity was on full display as he navigated his personal experiences with autism and the stereotypes often perpetuated by popular culture. His shirt emblazoned with “Bazinga!” was a nod to Sheldon Cooper, whom he critiqued for his not-so-great representation of autistic individuals. Oliver’s take was refreshingly honest, managing to turn personal challenges into comedic gold.
One of the highlights was Oliver’s wonderful singing, which was showcased in short musical snippets, each song cleverly chosen and tailored to reflect his personal experiences. From a joyous rendition of "I Can Hear the Bells" that perfectly captured the thrill of having a crush, to a heartfelt performance of "Send in the Clowns", and even a hilarious dance sequence featuring a sex doll, Oliver’s creativity truly knew no bounds.
But it wasn’t all laughs—Oliver also shared deeply personal stories, including his struggles with anxiety and depression. His use of "Michael in the Bathroom" from Be More Chill was a perfect accompaniment to his tale of feeling out of place; an isolation that many neurodivergent individuals experience.
His insights delved into navigating high school with his passion for musicals, feeling misunderstood by family, finding joy in community theatre, getting rejected by girls, and finally receiving an autism diagnosis at age 19. The finale, “My Diagnosis,” brought the show to a triumphant close, leaving me feeling inspired and connected.
The 'No Bang Theory' is more than just a show; it’s a celebration of authenticity, resilience, and the power of self-expression. Oliver Hetherington-Page’s performance was a testament to the richness of his life experiences and his talent for making those experiences accessible and entertaining.
I am extremely glad that this show exists and feel grateful for having been able to experience a performance that offers authentic insights into life on the autism spectrum. Oliver, a big thank you from all of us in the neurodivergent community!
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