Ex-Scout and ex-Otagonian Ryan Richards is thrilled to be returning to his grassroots to tour his original theatre production in the region where he grew up, which is also the setting for A Boy Wonder. Written by Richards, A Boy Wonder is a love letter to both his childhood passions i.e. Scouting and local icon Jimmy’s Pies.
Richards says: “I grew up eating Jimmy’s Pies so the local hero was the obvious choice when I was writing my debut solo show. I remember when my family was on holiday in Millers Flat, we would often drive on to Roxburgh for a fresh Jimmy’s pie from the actual bakery. I haven’t had a Jimmy’s Pies in years so I can’t wait to chomp one down when I’m on tour. I’m especially excited about performing in Roxburgh, where the show is set.”
A Boy Wonder is a heartwarming original Kiwi comedy centered around two scouts’ friendship, charting their heroic journey to save everything they have sworn to protect. A Boy Wonder is everything and nothing about scouting, essentially giving Scout’s honour new meaning…
Richards says: “I only have the most positive things to say about my time being a Scout in my hometown, Mosgiel. When I was creating A Boy Wonder I soon discovered that the world of scouting naturally provided awesome comedic opportunities.”
This side-splittingly ridiculous one-man family-friendly show is hot on the heels of an extremely successful Auckland season last month. A Boy Wonder’s Otago and Southland Tour, which kicks off in Te Anau, is also part of the 2015 Southland Festival of the Arts. The tour comprises 11 performances throughout Otago and Southland, concluding with a 3-night season at The Fortune Theatre in Dunedin.
A Boy Wonder stars Richards, who plays a multitude of colourful characters, and is astutely directed by Nic Sampson (2015 Billy T Award Nominee, Writer for TV3’s Jono and Ben) and Laura Daniel (2015 Winner Auckland Fringe Best Comedy Performance Award).
This fast-paced hour-long slice of Kiwiana takes place in the home of Jimmy’s Pies during the late 1990s. A Boy Wonder is about local take-out legend, Jimmy’s Pies, being under attack by the villainous Charlie Slaughter, an entrepreneurial cut-throat douche-bag who will do anything in his power to take down the little man - Jimmy (or ‘Scout Leader Jim’).
A Boy Wonder is a story of friendship, honour and ‘stupid knots’ – all of which are crucial for the two heroes to succeed in taking down Slaughter, culminating in the final battle which will determine whether they can save or destroy our great nation, our Queen and scouting forever.
Richards says: “I’m absolutely over the moon that I have the opportunity to take my show home, especially to the area that inspired this story.
“I can’t wait to see how my fellow Otagonians react to seeing themselves on stage, as the show is riddled with local references.”
A very sharp, well-tmed and slick comedy hour - Theatreview
An hour of silliness and laughter - The Lumiere Reader
You'll find yourself just chuckling at the loveable clown that is Ryan Richards - Gather and Hunt
Sharu Loves Hats presents
A Boy Wonder
Otago and Southland Tour 15-30 May, 2015
Details see www.aboywonder.co.nz
For media enquiries contact: Sharu Delilkan at Sharu Loves Hats
mob 021 652 175 or sharu@sharu.co.nz
A Boy Wonder is proudly supported by
Creative NZ, The Wallace Foundation, Venture Southland, ShowMotion and Scouts New Zealand
