Enter Hal’s world of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs where 20 years of insane increases in property prices has realised a weirdly dichotomous socio-economic melting pot.
Here, amidst the pristine beaches, parks and gullies of Bondi, Tama, Bronte, Clovelly, Coogee and Maroubra live the exceptionally rich yuppie newcomers, often nestled next door to the original “old school” low to middle class “tradie” community.
The rivalry, tensions and humour that spring from the glaringly obvious differences between the haves and have nots only serves to increase the pressure of the life choices these young men and women have to make... choose the path in life that guarantees them a “place at the table”, or follow your heart and chase your dreams.
The audience will be bustled along a wild ride with our sleepy anti-hero Hal’s final days of year 12, where the normally studious and responsible elder sibling of a one parent family has been granted the chance to finally let his hair down.
Suddenly (and unexpectedly) Hal is also faced with the opportunity to chase his dreams by auditioning at the age of only 17 for the prestigious National Academy of Performing Arts.
Overwhelmed, Hal initially chooses (out of fear of failure) to ignore the moment afforded to him and opt for the patently ridiculous option of partying all night.
Along with his hilarious slacker besties and larrikin footy mates (and the surprise appearances of his two younger brothers exploring their own particular stages of adolescence), a night of teenage chaos ensues.
By nights end, Hal has learnt not only who he is, what he might achieve (with a little help from his friends) but learns to own what he truly wants... and the courage required to chase his dream.
He might even get the girl...
Hal Cumpston - "Upon finishing school in 2017, I had aspirations to get involved in the film and television industry with a particular interest in comedy. With no experience in the field I thought I'd set out to write a short film and work my way up. After 10 days of writing I finished what would be the 88 page first draft of my teen "coming of age" comedy feature film 'Bilched.'"