There actually couldn’t be better conditions laid out for Australian Open (the play) to hit the stage in Melbourne. The only thing more persistent than the summer heat is the tennis mania driven by the actual Australian Open.

Meanwhile, Midsumma Festival is leading a glittery trail of gay festivities and queer resistance throughout the city. And to top it off, every other person you meet is currently fawning over a horny Canadian gay sports romance television series (and rightly so).

I challenge you to find a more genius stroke of theatrical programming than the decision to mount this very gay romantic drama that bounces between the worlds of elite tennis, family meltdowns and open relationships. Game. Set. Match.

Better yet, playwright Angus Cameron has served up a delightfully entertaining script that skilfully darts between big laughs, juicy drama, and some pointed social commentary about the progressive middle class. 

Alec Gilbert and Eddie Orton in Australian Open. Photo © Sarah Clarke

Under the direction of Riley Spadaro (Hot Tub), this...