SIDEKICKS

Joan Cusack, Janeane Garofalo, Ron Weasley and Robin Boy Wonder – what do they have in common? They are the sidekicks, the selfless supporting characters: the wacky best friends, the wise guys or shoulders to cry on. But what if the Reese Witherspoons and Ryan Reynoldses stepped out of the spotlight and gave the sidekicks their chance to shine?

Stephan Vagg’s latest play is a de-constructed romantic comedy told through the point of view of a couple’s best friends Mac (played by Can of Worms host Dan Ilic) and CB (played by the lovely Emily Rose Brennan).  Brennan describes the show as hilarious, heartfelt and human.

“[CB] is interesting because she doesn’t realise she is a sidekick or how much she puts her own dreams on hold,” Brennan explains. “But as soon as she does, she takes steps to change and I admire that.”

In this two-hander Brennan will play five characters including Hunter, a heart-breaker and ‘hero’ of the story; a documentary show host; and an arrogant South African. “Hunter is based on a few exes,” she laughs. “It’s fun and challenging switching between. I’ve been thrashing myself to nail the Afrikaans accent.”

Brennan, who has starred in Underbelly Razor, the Fox sitcom 30 Seconds and Bell Shakespeare’s all-female Taming of the Shrew is not only having a ball working alongside the Hungry Boys star, but also picking up some tricks of the trade.

“Dan is fabulous and so brave,” she continues. “He knows how to make things so funny. Hopefully with our powers combined we will bring out something amazing.” Great, hero talk.

Nov 2-18, Old 505 Theatre, 342 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, trybooking.com