Characters are just so relatable

IS THERE really such thing as fun for the whole family? Find out when Spencer hits the stage in Townsville next week.

Written by Katy Warner, the Lab Kelpie Theatre production tells the story of a tight-knit family with three adult children, wayward daughter Jules, mouthy coulda-been Ben and AFL golden-boy Scott, led by single mum Marilyn.

Scott and his family return to their suburban Australian home following the news he will soon meet a young son he never knew he had, named Spencer.

Starring Jane Clifton ( Prisoner) and Roger Oakley ( Home & Away) with Lyall Brooks ( A Prudent Man), Jamieson Caldwell and Fiona Harris, the family is forced to clean up the house and their own fractured relationships before Spencer arrives.

Lyall Brooks plays middle child Ben, and said the three adult siblings’ childhood relationships are thrown back together in the performance.

“What (Ben) lacks in talent he makes up for in mouth, telling everyone else what to do,” Brooks said. “Ben is like a giant man-child and it’s so much fun to play.”

Brooks said Spencer has characters that almost anyone can relate themselves or a family member to.

“I think the family, the characters and the dynamic are all really recognisable, and of course it’s funny as hell,” he said. “It’s one of those shows that’s funny but you also walk away knowing you’ve seen something of substance. It’s got a lot of heart to it as well.”

Spencer is recommended for audiences over the age of 16.

Catch at the Townsville Civic Theatre C2 on Monday, August 19. Visit whatson.townsville.qld.gov. au/events/spencer for details and tickets.