Theatre Review: Log Boy – Glam Adelaide

Tweet

A well-written and complex play on grief and a wonderful addition to queer theatre

Presented by: Smiling Bear and State Theatre Company of South Australia
Reviewed: 3 October 2026

Log Boy is a unique new play by Anthony Nocera, stems from grief but does an incredible balancing act between the light and humour, which makes it possible for the grief to exist in the first place. 

The play launches with heavy club music and a spectral Leather Daddy (Chris Asimos) who is stalking the grieving Anthony (Anthony Nocera). The meaning behind the intrusive thoughts of a Leather Daddy unroll through the production as Anthony attempts to reconcile his emotions in the wake of his partner Michael’s death.

Once waking suddenly from the Leather Daddy dream, Anthony is in the reality of being alone in their country house the day before Michael’s funeral. There is an age gap between Michael and Anthony, which becomes a point of conflict, and well-written generational contrast, when Michael’s long-time friends Justin (Paul Capsis) and Jamie (Paul Reichstein) arrive to spend the night.

Justin takes it upon himself to pull out boxes from the shed to start sorting out Michael’s belongings whether or not anyone else was ready for that step. All three of them are struggling to process the loss of a loved one and each of them have a different, complex claim to what Michael left behind.

Michael’s history with his friends, a new partner, and a lingering illness strain the conversations, each character fumbles as they try to do what they think is right. Throughout Anthony’s mum (Elena Carapetis) is a source of strength despite the blunt and unorthodox style in her approach to parenting.

The play’s writing provides excellent depth to each of the characters. They’re all flawed by experience yet filled with heart. Even the vicious and venom spitting Justin was crafted in a way where their humanity was always simmering beneath their different social masks.

It’s a strong performance from the entire cast as they tease out the long shadows that are lurking behind their characters, such as living through the HIV/AIDS pandemic, choices made while young, and caring for a loved one during their most vulnerable experiences.

The intensity around the theme of grief is managed strikingly well in the script. The comedy, crudeness in some of the dialogue, and, at times, campiness outstandingly shape not just the characters but their haunting motivations.

Log Boy is written and produced by Anthony Nocera, directed by Riley Spadaro, dramaturg Elena Carapetis, set and costume design by Meg Wilson, lighting design by Chris Petridis, composing by Jason Sweeney, and production management and sound design by Lachlan Turner. 

Log Boy’s run at AC Arts with the State Theatre Company runs over two weekends and is a new must see in queer theatre.

Reviewed by Alex Dunkin

Photo credit: Jonathan van der Knaap