By Tabitha Hilbig
Australian playwright Louis Nowra is most known for his 1992 play Cosi – the story set in a 1970s Melbourne mental institution. With countless adaptation, including the 1996 film with a star studded cast for a quirky, iconic, Australian classic. If you’ve ever wanted more from the main character of Lewis, look no further than Nowra’s first semi- autobiographical play, Summer of the Aliens.
The year is 1962, Lewis (Castiel McIntosh) is but a 14 year old boy. He and his best friend Dulcie (Michelle Drinnan) – a neighbouring tomboy – are both going through changes. They are both lost and confused about their bodies growing and maturing. To help Lewis cope, he turns to aliens.
1812 Theatre’s adaptation brings the perfect balance of comedy, awkwardness, and hope, to what is rather a dark story. The set (by Liam Mitchinson) immediately takes the audience into rural 1960s Australia; a beautifully painted backdrop of vast, dry fields, vinyl covered dining seats, and even a swing hanging from the ceiling ready to be lowered as needed.
Castiel is nothing short of remarkable, pulling the audience in for every heartbreaking moment. Michelle makes her debut with the 1812 Theatre and perfectly captures an awkward and slightly annoying teenage girl.
The audience is guided through the show by a narrator (Stephen MchPhail) interpreting this character as a Crocodile Dundee-esk type storyteller, all the way down to the snakeskin boots. Throughout the play is also Mr Pisano – a mailman who spirals throughout the show, from putting mail down his pants, to under his hat, James Anderson is perfectly cast in this role, constantly stealing the show.
Ann-Maree Eastman is the lovable and potentially senile Grandma, alongside her is Norma (Lewis’ Mum), played by Angela Ellis. Ellis perfectly captures a rural Aussie mum, concerned for her kids, annoyed by her crazy mother, simply wanting better for her family.
Sarah Sundstrom plays Lewis’ sister Bev, as well as a dutch immigrant, Beatrice. She does a phenomenal job of separating the two.Daniel Parton plays the awful and hilarious character of Brian, a sex-obsessed friend of Lewis, and quite a bully.
The rest of the cast are amazing, Jason Triggs as Stan and Richard, Rosalind Mackay as Mrs Irvin, Yin Ingamells as Japanese Woman, and Brett Hyland as Eric.
Liam Mitchinson has adapted Summer of the Aliens into a beautiful and awkward nostalgic performance for audiences to laugh and cry with.
For more information go to 1812theatre.com.au/2026-season/summer-of-the-aliens/
