The kids and the queen

This year’s Mardi Gras parade left a lasting impression on theatre director Richard Blomfield. A two-decade veteran of parades, both as a viewer and participant, Blomfield says the inclusion of so many children in the 2007 parade added a new dimension.

It was a fascinating sight to see so many kids in the parade and everyone cheer them on, he recalls. As they passed by, they all seemed to have a lovely na?ty to them, and they obviously didn’t care who their parents are sleeping with.

I couldn’t help but think how lucky these kids are that, at a young age, they can already see the world has a much bigger perspective than many of their contemporaries.

The outlook of young children is very much on Blomfield’s mind at present, as he is the director of the play, Two Weeks With The Queen, by Mary Morris and adapted from Morris Gleitzman’s beloved children’s book.

Two Weeks With The Queen is being produced by Bankstown Theatrical Society, and the cast includes Ben Dodd, Andrew Redfern, David Sims and Janet Cairncross.

The story is performed by an adult cast, but tells of 12-year-old Colin whose brother Luke has been diagnosed with cancer. In a bid to save his brother’s life, Colin embarks on a quest to have the queen send her best doctor from London to treat Luke.

While in London, Colin crosses paths with a gay man, Ted, who is caring for his partner Griff, who is in the final stages of AIDS.

It is the most wonderful story of acceptance and Colin’s explorations challenge all the adults in the story, Blomfield explains. It is the adults who are the bigots and live in fear, and they are taught a lesson by the one who doesn’t have that at all.

Colin sees past the things that so many adults simply can’t deal with, and it is so very touching. Which is why, I guess, watching the parade with all those kids dealing with what some adults can’t has really stayed with me.

Then again, when you direct a play, everything seems to become relevant and inspiring.

Blomfield is a 25-year veteran of Bankstown Theatrical Society, and has previously been involved in such gay-themed works as La Cage Aux Folles and last year’s A Chorus Line.

He says the combination of gay-themed pieces and suburban community theatre is not the risk it might initially be assumed to be.

This play has many levels and, if you are true to that theme, it does not necessarily jar against the fact it is in Bankstown, he says. The numbers of people who are a part of our audience always appear quite happy to be challenged.

People have already asked me if this is a show for kids, and I exclaim yes, not only because it is from a favourite kids book, but also because kids see so many negative images of our lives, and yet what this play really deals with is the reality of the human condition.

Two Weeks With The Queen plays 23 March-1 April at The Olympic Parade Theatre in Bankstown. Bookings on 9676 1191.