Love letter to Cowboys fans
THE night of the 2015 NRL grand final was one many North Queenslanders will remember for the rest of their lives.
The Longest Minute is set to help audiences relive that night, delivering a real story of the North Queensland Cowboys created by fans for fans.
The Longest Minute tells the story of Jess, who was born on the night of the North Queensland Cowboys’ first ever game in Townsville.
Jess was born into a football- obsessed family and had ambition and skills to play.
Being a girl, she found herself continuously in the shadows – just like her beloved Cowboys – but she continued to believe.
Director Bridget Boyle said the production was uniquely Australian for sports- loving people who did not gravitate towards theatre and theatrelovers who did not follow sport.
“We cannot wait to bring this story to where it all began, where the Cowboys’ home and heartland is,” she said.
“It’s great to see plays that are set in New York or Europe or whatever, but this is the story of people who will be sitting in the audience.
“It’s a bit of a love letter to North Queensland really, and to say the stories of this place are worthy of being put on stage.”
Ms Boyle said the inspiration for the story came purely from the Cowboys- Broncos grand final.
“I was there at the ground, and disclaimer, I’m a diehard Cowboys supporter and I’ve basically helped create this show so I might be able to meet Johnathan Thurston,” she said.
“Like so many, I was in the pits of despair when with one minute to go, it was the longest minute of my life; then, after 20 years of heartbreak, a Cowboys victory.
“The Cowboys club have been so supportive of this project right from the very beginning.”
Ms Boyle said Cowboys fans were encouraged to wear their jerseys to the show.
The Longest Minute is a Queensland Theatre, Debase Productions and Jute Theatre Company co- production.
North Queensland Cowboys members have access to discounted tickets. WHAT: THE LONGEST MINUTE WHEN: THURSDAY 6.30PM; FRIDAY 7.30PM; SATURDAY 7.30PM. WHERE: DANCENORTH THEATRE ON STANLEY ST. TICKETS: DANCENORTH. COM. AU/ BOOKINGS/.