Here at Perth Arts Live, we know festival season in Perth/Boorloo (and beyond!) is hectic. There’s a lot to do, see, and plan when arts festivals overlap in such spectacular ways. To help readers make informed decisions about where to spend every moment of their free time during this culture-crammed season just like us, we’re asking The Blue Room Theatre Summer Nights artists to ‘take five’ from their busy schedules to answer five questions about their shows. No rest for the weary, eh?
Actor, writer and producer Piers MacKenzie takes five with us to deliver a taste of his one-man show that “dives into a delivery cyclist’s chaotic journey to deliver the meal of his life.” Courier, which has gone from a 10-minute solo work in The Blue Room Theatre‘s 2024 600 Seconds program to a full length work in its 2025 Summer Nights program, runs from 4 – 8 Feb. About Courier:
“This darkly comedic ride pulls you deep into a fractured mind, where reality and imagination collide as the brakes come off. Strap on your helmets and grip those handlebars tight—this trip is full of sharp twists, sudden turns, and plenty of bumps along the way.”
Q1 What inspired the show, and what was the motivation for bringing it to The Blue Room Theatre for Summer Nights?
Courier started as a 10-minute short film, born from my experiences delivering for Deliveroo in Cornwall during the 2020 pandemic. It then became a solo show for The Blue Room’s 600 Seconds program, which was incredibly helpful in showing me the story had wheels to go further – so here we are at Summer Nights!
Q2 What’s the most unexpected, funny, or interesting thing that has happened during the show’s development?
Flying into Perth with a massive Deliveroo bag coming around on baggage claim – looked like I’d just completed the world’s longest delivery from Heathrow.
Q3 What does the audience absolutely need to know before they come to see the show? (without spoilers, of course!)
Supermarkets in England sell alcohol and Falmouth is a small fishing town in Cornwall.
Q4 If you could invite any famous person (living or dead) to the show, who would it be and why?
Lionel Messi – I’m in awe of him so any chance to meet him would be incredible. I’ve worked a line about him into the play which some football fans may appreciate. Also, the thought of him wandering around Northbridge just amuses me – from the Camp Nou to the Brass Monkey.
Q5 What other show(s) would pair well with yours for a delicious summer festival feast?
I’m going to try and get to all the shows as The Blue Room’s Summer Nights festival, but SHARK is definitely one to catch – I saw it at 600 Seconds last year and it was brilliantly funny.
BONUS ROUND: In 10 words or less, give us your last ditch pitch to get folks in to see the show!
One courier. One impossible delivery. One unforgettable ride!
