FOURTEEN
by Shannon Molloy
The year is 1999 and Shannon has a secret.
Shannon Molloy is a year 9 student at an all-boys rugby-mad Catholic school in regional Queensland, with a secret that no one can ever find out. Shannon is gay.
Based on the best-selling memoir by award-winning journalist Shannon Molloy, Fourteen is the inspirational true story of growing up gay in central Queensland, transformed into a powerful must-see theatre production by nationally acclaimed Shake & Stir Theatre Co.
Set to a nostalgic mixtape of 90s bangers from all your faves, from Shania Twain to The Spice Girls, Fourteen addresses the trials and tribulations of growing up with honesty, humour and heart. Equal parts uplifting and heart-wrenching, we follow Shannon in a year of self-discovery set amidst a backdrop of torment, bullying, and betrayal – not just at the hands of his peers, but by the adults who were meant to protect him.
This moving coming-of-age memoir about adversity and tragedy is also a story of resilience, hope, and hilarity – thanks to the love of a group of close-knit friends, a fiercely protective family, an extraordinary mother, and… S Club 7.
So, press play on your Discman, lose yourself in a pumping 90s pop remix, and take a technicoloured trip back to your teens. This is Fourteen.
“Funny, sad and true, this is a play that will foster conversation, and save lives.” - The Australian
“A must-see.” - Q News
“Should not be missed.” - Blue Curtains Brisbane
Writer Shannon Molloy
Adaptors Nelle Lee, Nick Skubij with Shannon Molloy
Director Nick Skubij
Creative Producer Ross Balbuziente
Set Designer Josh McIntosh
Costume Designer Fabian Holford
Lighting Designer Trent Suidgeest
Sound Designer Guy Webster
Choreographer Dan Venz
Intimacy Director Michelle Miall
Fight Director Tim Dashwood
Featuring Conor Leach as Shannon Molloy
By Shannon Molloy
Adapted & created by Shake & Stir Theatre Co
Originally co-produced with QPAC and Brisbane Festival
“★★★★★ Shake & Stir has done it again!” -Broadway World
“Funny, sad and true, this is a play that will foster conversation, and save lives.” -The Australian
“A must-see.” - Q News
“Should not be missed.” - Blue Curtains Brisbane
“Conor Leach truly is a star.” - The Courier-Mail
“In classic Shake & Stir fashion, the performance never shied away from confronting topics, but not without the quick gag slotted in to ease the tension and remind the audience that there is light at the end of the tunnel.” - The Courier-Mail
“Utterly captivating, heart wrenching, and witty, this adaption of Shannon Molloy’s memoir was lovingly brought to life.” - Theatre Travels