Black Swan State Theatre Company of Western Australia acknowledges the Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live.

First Nations People have been telling stories on this country for many thousands of years, and we acknowledge their incredible contribution to the cultural and environmental landscape we reside in.

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Season 2022

Barracking for the Umpire

Past Show - Season 2022

07 Oct - 23 Oct

Subiaco Arts Centre

A funny drama about footy, family and fragility, and what we're willing to sacrifice for the game.

Barracking for the Umpire

From the wickedly funny mind of comedienne Andrea Gibbs (ABC Weekend presenter, Barefaced Stories) comes Barracking for the Umpire.

The Castle meets The Club in this original family drama that asks us: what are we willing to sacrifice for the great game?

Doug Williams is the greatest footballer Donnybrook has ever seen. Hard as flint. Salt of the earth.

Delveen, his wife has been by his side for years, through head knock after head knock.

The club want to honour Doug with a lifetime achievement award, so the kids are all flying home to join the celebration. But the sure hands of this once great player are starting to fumble the ball.

Barracking for the Umpire tackles blokes and their vulnerability, the fragility of the human body, and the impacts of brain injury on ourselves, our family, and our community. This story will resonate with every AFL fan, player and parent.

“Up there Cazaly, in there and fight…I am a huge Andrea Gibbs fan and with this play kicks it out of the park, literally. This family is familiar and loveable…Fight like the devil, the crowd’s on your side.” Clare Watson, Director.

“Originally hailing from Donnybrook, Andrea has been described as ‘the quintessential cousin from the country.” The West Australian.

Proudly supported by Malcolm Robertson Foundation and City of Perth as part of the Funny Girl initiative.

Image by Frances Andrijich.

The commissioning of Barracking for the Umpire was supported by

Restart investment to sustain and expand (RISE) fund – an Australian Government Initiative

Dates

07 Oct - 23 Oct

Venue

Subiaco Arts Centre

Duration

1 hour 30 mins (no interval)

Content Warning