Mixed Salad Production's OUT IN THE OPEN Plays 11/17-12/4

Celebrated UK playright Jonathan Harvey's dark comedy about love, friendship and the messy bits in between premieres in just three weeks, so book now.

Liverpudlian playwright Jonathan Harvey is on a roll. His quirky television shows, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! and Beautiful People have gained international cult status with broadcasts here on the ABC and on cable in the US. This follows earlier success with the film version of his gay coming of age play, Beautiful Thing, which picked up the prestigious John Whiting Award in 1994. But there are more strings to Harvey's dramatic bow.

MixEd Salad Productions is premiering Harvey's acclaimed play, Out In The Open, in a production that promises to push all the buttons.

Set over a long, hazily-hot summer weekend in London Tony, played by Lee Cook is ready to move on after the death of his partner. But his efforts to start dating again are hampered by secrets his friends, Monica (Deanna Ortuso) and Kevin (Alan Crawford) should have told him a long time ago. When Tony brings home a cute photography student, Iggy, played by Oliver de Rohan, 'mum-in-law' Mary (Eleanor Boyd) and her best friend Rose (Maxine Grubel) can't cope.

It isn't long before everyone's secrets and lies are dragged out in the open.

The play's director, Dave Simms says the play's about friendship and the damage done by telling lies.

"It has some poignant and emotional scenes, but at the same time it's hilarious and packed with emotion, drama, pashing and drunkenness," he says.

Book online now or call 0439 533 173.