Young people stage premiere

A play written and staged by people under 23 years of age will have its "world premiere" at Peninsula Theatre this month.

"I, Andromeda", the first play by Central Coast author Alex Gibbs, will be performed at the Peninsula Theatre between February 12 and 21.

The cast features Steven Hopley as Tate and Kate McKenzie as Andromeda, with Nick McDougall, Corinne Parker and Ellen Malone.

The cast and crew for the "world premiere" are all between the ages of 16 and 22.

Steven Hopley, 20, is the director, producer and star of the show.

"Tate is an amazing character, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an actor," he said.

"The journey he goes through touches upon themes of love, lust, guilt, desperation, dependency, destiny and redemption."

Alex Gibbs, 21, said the play took two years to write.

"I'm really proud with what it's become," he said.

"It's a play without traditional heroes and villains.

"Any of the characters could be one of my friends."

Kate McKenzie, 16, plays Andromeda.

"I look forward to the challenge of playing Andromeda" she said.

"Andromeda is such a complex character.

"She knows what she wants and won't submit to anything - and that's what I like about her."

The storyline follows the life of Annie Fraser, the girl next door.

A constant wallflower; she's so quiet she barely exists.

Then she's murdered.

Tate Worth visits her killer, Andromeda, in a psychiatric hospital.

It is his job to mount a defence that will set her free.

But can he do so without losing his soul?

The play will run Thursdays and Fridays, February 12, 13, 19 and 20, at 7.30pm, and Saturdays, February 14 and 21, at 2pm and 7.30pm.

Prices are $17, $15 concession and $13 for groups of eight or more.

For bookings, phone 4323 3233.

Press release, February 2