"THE SHEDS" Spotlight by Stage Whispers

National Spotlight Shines on The Sheds in Stage Whispers Feature

Acclaimed Australian theatre publication Stage Whispers has turned its national spotlight on The Sheds, the bold new production by James Cunningham ahead of its Adelaide Fringe season. In a recent exclusive feature, the magazine praised the play’s raw emotional depth, its willingness to confront taboos in the AFL world, and the fearless performances of its young cast.

Prior to appearing at Adelaide Fringe in 2014, The Sheds premiered at Melbourne Fringe in 2013 to critical acclaim. The amateur, independant play takes place in the locker room of the fictional Fitzroy Fighters footy team. The plot follows three players grappling with the aftermath of a game, a secret, and a revalation — and the deeper tensions that simmer beneath the surface of male camaraderie. It is driven by a powerful revelation: what happens when a star player comes out as gay in the hyper-masculine environment of Australian Rules football.

The Stage Whispers feature highlights not only the daring nature of the script but also the physical and emotional bravery required from the cast. “The production features swearing, fighting, nudity and confronting drama,” the magazine notes — a combination that has drawn praise for its authenticity and willingness to engage with tough material without flinching.

Directed and written by James Cunningham, The Sheds is part of a new wave of Australian theatre exploring masculinity, identity, and mental health with nuance and grit. The Stage Whispers article also points readers to the play’s limited run at the Bakehouse Theatre during Adelaide Fringe, from February 18 to 22.

The feature is another strong endorsement for the production, which has steadily built momentum since its debut season in Melbourne. It further cements The Sheds as a standout of this year’s festival circuit — a play that challenges expectations both on and off the stage.

Read the Stage Whispers spotlight on The Sheds available to read HERE.

Ludwik Exposto and Patrick Chiroco in THE SHEDS © Presidential Productions

The Sheds centres on Darren Anderson, a leading player for the Fitzroy Fighters, whose confidence in his public persona is shaken by a personal revelation about his sexuality. Believing that his 'coming out' will be embraced by fans and media alike, Darren is unprepared for the repercussions that follow. The play offers an unflinching look at the private world of an AFL locker room, delving into themes of identity, loyalty and the challenges faced by athletes in the public eye.

Acclaimed during its Melbourne run, The Sheds captivated audiences with its gritty depiction of locker room culture, complete with foul language, intense conflict, and unabashed nudity. The production provides a unique fly-on-the-wall perspective that challenges stereotypes and delves into human vulnerability and resilience.

Read the Stage Whispers spotlight on The Sheds available to read HERE.

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