A provocative examination of identity, extremism and desire, Foam by Harry McDonald will make its Australian premiere at Qtopia Sydney – The Substation, from 6 – 23 August 2025.
What happens when ideology collides with identity? 1974. A public lavatory. Nicky shaves his head, watched by an older man. Publicly, Nicky is a skinhead, a neo-Nazi. But behind closed doors, something else emerges.
This is not the first man Nicky has met in a public toilet, and he won’t be the last. Spanning two decades, Foam is a searing and intimate exploration of queerness, shame, and the violent appeal of extremist ideology.
Inspired by true events and set against the backdrop of London’s gay and skinhead scenes in the 1970s and 1980s, playwright Harry McDonald offers a raw and unflinching interrogation of identity, masculinity and indoctrination.
After its acclaimed debut at London’s Finborough Theatre in 2024, directed by Matthew Iliffe, Foam makes its bold Australian premiere under the direction of Gavin Roach.
“Tense and intriguing… poses complex questions about identity and ideology.” – The Stage
Director & Producer: Gavin Roach | Featuring: Joshua Merten, Patrick Phillips, Timothy Springs / Hollywould Star, Chad Traupmann | Associate Director & Intimacy Coordinator: Sonya Kerr | Sound Design: Akesiu Poitaha | Lighting Design: Megan Heferen | Dialect Coach: Alison Benstead | Associate Producer: Kyra Belford-Thomas | Writer: Harry McDonald
FOAM
Qtopia Sydney – The Substation, 301 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst
Season: 6 – 23 August 2025
Information and Bookings: www.humanitix.com
Image: Patrick Phillips to star in Foam by Harry McDonald (supplied)