Presented by Sun and Wine Arts Company in their debut performance, "Playthings" by Scott McArdle provides a raw and intricate look into the minds of 13-year-olds navigating the complexities of the adult world around them. The familiar sights, sounds, and culture of small-town Australia are embedded in the story, immersing the audience in the world of Lucy and Arnold. The show opens with an unexpectedly morbid yet attention-grabbing question: “Have you ever seen a dead body?” as Lucy leads Arnold into the bush to witness a dying kangaroo. This unusual beginning sets the tone for the strange and unpredictable journey that follows.
Dylan Komoff delivers a striking performance as Arnold, showcasing his jittery and anxious character with great skill. His portrayal on stage feels incredibly authentic, with purposeful nervous energy radiating in every interaction, particularly when paired with Rose Swanepoel's Lucy, who is the complete opposite—tough, unfiltered, and a bit unhinged. Lucy shows affection through sharp insults and carries an edgy, unpredictable attitude. Her delivery blends humour and severity, effectively portraying a teenager still trying to figure herself out while using her toughness to mask the vulnerability underneath.
Dylan demonstrates innate storytelling abilities through his monologues, particularly when recounting the carrot spew incident and the ensuing fist fight. Through the tumultuous narration of Arnold's father's passing, Dylan masterfully captures the essence of his character as someone caught between the innocence of childhood and the harsh realities of adulthood.
As the story progresses, Lucy’s bitterness toward her parents grows, hinting at deeper family issues that remain unverbalised. Her interactions with Arnold, however, retain childlike innocence and reckless adolescence. At times, they appear like typical kids simply trying to survive school, while at others, they are grappling with much darker, more traumatic realities—including custody battles and the emotional fallout of sexual assault. Arnold provides a comforting presence as he tries to distract his volatile friend from hurting herself or others, highlighting his unwavering loyalty and deep care for Lucy.
Laura Renee portrayed Miss Richards, their Grade 9 teacher. As a fellow educator, I found her portrayal incredibly relatable. She embodies the burnt-out yet caring teacher archetype, with a palpable bitterness stemming from years of dealing with teenagers. Yet beneath that exterior lies an undeniable compassion for her students. Her interactions with Lucy and Arnold are genuine, layered with empathy, especially during her discussion about the English assignment, where Arnold draws inspiration from his own life for the horror story task.
One of the most charming aspects of the show is the balance between Lucy and Arnold’s strange yet endearing friendship. Lucy clearly grapples with her emotional turmoil, her anger towards her parents simmering just beneath the surface, especially concerning her stepdad, Rhys (Ben Kasper). Rhys is hilariously goofy, trying his best to manage Lucy’s rebellious nature, which often leads to some of the play's funniest moments. The audience burst into laughter at nearly every line he delivered, particularly during his awkward attempts to bond with Lucy over Labyrinth.
One of the most striking aspects of the show is how it tackles heavy themes without losing its light-hearted core. Even as the narrative takes darker turns, the script—supported by Hamish Chappell's direction and the actors' performances—maintains a sense of humour that keeps the story from becoming too heavy. Additionally, Hamish Chappell has ensured that each character feels fully fleshed out, from Lucy's wild unpredictability and Arnold's endearing awkwardness, to Rhys' goofy charm and Miss Richards' jaded, yet caring nature. The young lead actors deliver performances well beyond their years, bringing an impressive depth and emotional range to their roles. Overall, this production offers a heartfelt, sometimes dark, but often humorous exploration of growing up and grappling with adult problems before you're ready.
Photos by Claire Yorston
Now playing at Backdock Arts
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