premiere production

Performed in December 2019 at the Tower Arts Centre, 'Delayed' was Wilde and Darling's premiere production. This original, contemporary play was written and directed by Sarah Kwong, and featured performances by Bryce Batty, Shannen Beckett, Bella Cook, Alicia Crowhurst, James Crowhurst, Orion Furbank-Meyer, Sophie Hollingworth, Jude Mills, Isobelle O'Brien, and Tom Richardson.

'Delayed' was developed specifically for the young ensemble of actors involved. All aged between 17 and 19, the cast of ten are former students of the writer/director who have performed together previously in school plays and musicals. This meant they quickly formed a supportive and cohesive ensemble, and their real life relationships with each other were easily translated onstage.

Synopsis

It's four days before Christmas, and a group of strangers, all on the cusp of adulthood, are waiting in the local bus station, desperate to get out of this small town. After they receive word of an unexpected delay to their departure, they begin to open up to each other about where they have come from and where they are going.

Sam and Laura moved away long ago, and after a week visiting with family, are in no hurry to stay any longer. Lewis is on his way to see his dad, who he feels he constantly disappoints. Toby is ready to start university. Emily is travelling with no real plan. And Marty? Well, he won't say exactly what he's doing. 

As the night goes on, and they group is joined by  travellers Lydia and Jenna - who seem like they're heading away from somewhere as opposed to heading towards a destination, high school dropout Ethan - who is returning home for the holidays and forced to confront some old ghosts, and Toby's sister Alexis - who turns out to have a history with a few of the group members, and not a very good one. 

Funny, raw and forged on human connection, 'Delayed' is a reflection on what it means to make choices, and live with them.

Audience Response

 The cast were brilliant in their roles and all were good actors. The story was a poignant portrayal of issues and life challenges that our youth face during the transition time to becoming an adult. 

Was a wonderful show with a great cast and an awesome script. Well done to all. 

That was beautiful. Those kids are all incredible and I am in awe of them. Way to make me laugh and also feel things at the same time. I kept relating to different characters and feeling seen in a good and loving way. 

Poster design by Sylvia Morris.

Program available here