IN a theatrical landscape dominated by tried and tested stage shows often written decades ago, the future of theatre can be found taking shape at UWA's Dolphin Theatre.
Acclaimed as a dynamic crucible of fresh ideas and champion of new original work, the University Dramatic Society is debuting a new play featuring some exciting young talent.
Written by first-time playwright Gerald Lillywhite and set in late Victorian society, Penny Black will undoubtedly attract some attention because of its male lead Angus Willoughby, who plays foppish dandy William Godfrey.
Nedlands resident Willoughby's name was splashed across the world entertainment media in 2008 when his friendship with popular Harry Potter actor Emma Watson prompted a frenzy of speculation that the two were “an item.”
Willoughby, 19, said he became friends with Watson while attending London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.
“We were just friends, so when it came out as something else I just felt bad, like she might have thought I had betrayed her trust, but she ended up apologising to me about it,” he said.
“If she walks down the street with anyone with a Y chromosome, they are immediately in a relationship.
“She wasn't perturbed at all and we are still friends.”
Willoughby has been tipped for big things, with some industry insiders predicting future Hollywood stardom, including WA talent agency RGM, which who saw potential when Willoughby was working as a waiter at Steve's in Nedlands.
Also appearing is 18-year-old actor Charlotte Devenport as Godfrey's lover Harland Wicks. It's a role that would challenge many because Wicks is a male character.
Versatile Devenport is trained in musical theatre, and will appear in pantomime Puss in Boots presented by the MS Society WA in December.
Debutant playwright Lillywhite - formerly of Inglewood and now residing in Shenton Park - has written several screenplays, including one that attracted arts funding to produce a short film set to premiere late this year.
The 19-year-old has applied to three US film schools to develop his career once he finishes his English Honours degree.
It's a well-worn cliché to declare something “worth the price of admission,” but when admission costs a mere $9 to $14 to witness the work of some probable stars of the future, the phrase has never been truer.
Penny Black will run August 31 to September 4 at UWA's Dolphin Theatre.