July 2024

The Mill, Adelaide

Written by Zoe Muller
Directed by Zoe Muller and Alyssa D’Onofrio

Synopsis

A stolen car, a petrol station, a gun and a piggy bank. Nothing but the Servo follows Jade, Jett and Toby on the night of Gunner's return. Over the next 24 hours, their lives turn upside down... again.

Set in the past, present and future, this story explores how quickly one mistake can change everything. With no set or props, just pure imagination, the play takes audiences inside the minds of four boys trying to right their wrongs before Sunday.

Cast

Toby Vincent as Jade
Oliver Medwell as Gunner
Jack Spanton as Jett
Mahendra Baker as Toby
Alyssa D'Onofrio as Police

Tech

Lighting: Jayden Cowell
Sound: Oscar Sarre

Inspiration

Nothing but the Servo was inspired by a series of South Australian news articles, each highlighting separate incidents of car theft by teenage boys. The phrase “Boys will be boys” played a significant role in shaping the narrative, serving as an underlying motif throughout the work. It explores the notion that what teenagers may perceive as harmless "fun" can often lead to dire consequences they have not yet considered. Set in regional South Australia, Nothing but the Servo reflects on how quickly situations can spiral out of control, particularly when there is little support available to guide young people through challenging circumstances.

Reviews

“Nothing but the Servo” is a testament to compelling storytelling, direction, and performance. It is a powerful reminder of the fragility of youth and the profound impact of seemingly small decisions. “

“Vincent’s Jade also stood out for the depth of his character portrayal, showcasing a believable mix of annoyance and care for his younger brother and demonstrating an impressive range and depth in his performance.”

“Oliver Medwell delivered a multi-dimensional portrayal of Gunner, a young man profoundly impacted by his time in a juvenile facility. Jack Spanton played the role of the third mate, Jett, convincingly, embodying the character who was always present to influence events, whether directly engaged or encouraging action. “

“Mahendra Baker, as the annoying younger brother Toby, delivered a performance that captured Toby’s feelings of loneliness and jealousy, as he yearned to reconnect with his older sibling.”

“The play’s writing stood out for its emotional depth and realism. By the end of the performance, there were few dry eyes in the audience, evidence of its powerful impact. While I won’t reveal any spoilers, it suffices to say that the emotional effect was significant.”

NOTHING BUT THE SERVO