General News
21 April, 2025
Horsham talent shines on Melbourne stage
Horsham-raised writer and director Oscar O’Brien made his professional debut at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival with his original absurd comedy, ‘Antilton.’
The comedy drew strong audience reactions and rave reviews, and Mr O'Brien is delighted to make it to the Melbourne stage.
"I'm feeling fantastic," he said.
"Not only is this my first time writing and directing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, but also my debut as a professional writer and director."
Mr O’Brien credits his time in Horsham for sparking his passion for the performing arts.
“It was during my time in Horsham College that I decided I wanted to be in the performing arts,” he said.
“I had great opportunities through school musicals, fantastic drama teachers and local communities such as Horsham Arts Council and Kick Up The Artz.”
After graduating from Federation University’s Arts Academy in Ballarat in 2022, Mr O’Brien moved to Melbourne and began writing Antilton, a comedy two years in the making.
“The show is called Antilton, and it’s best described as an absurd comedy,” he said.
“The show follows a struggling artist who has the silly idea of remaking the famous musical Hamilton, but making it about ants instead of people.”
Mr O’Brien said the play draws heavily on his personal experience.
“It draws on lots of my struggles, feeling lost as an artist after finishing uni, and how important my roommates became to me in that time as a support system,” he said.
“The show is very ridiculous, but I also aim to put a lot of heart and depth into the story.”
He described one of his favourite scenes, which reflects the show’s core message.
“The Artist is feeling alone and hopeless after driving his friends away,” he said.
“One of his roommates, who had no interest in theatre, reads the play and is suddenly swept up in the story, reminding the Artist of the importance of theatre and storytelling.
“Theatre, no matter how ridiculous it may seem, always has the capacity to affect people.”
Mr O’Brien admitted facing self-doubt during the process.
“The biggest challenge as a debut writer and director was imposter syndrome,” he said.
“There was a big fear that I wasn’t going to be able to lead this cast and crew, and that my writing wasn’t going to resonate with people.
“I had to remind myself I love making theatre and I don’t need anyone’s approval to keep doing what I love.”
The audience proved him right.
“When I heard the first person laugh on opening night of the show and breathed a deep sigh of relief,” he said.
“The audience response was amazing! Some people were pleading with a character to stop eating sugary syrup live on stage."
Mr O’Brien received strong support from friends in Horsham who made the trip to Melbourne to see the show.
“For me, I’m just happy if I can make one person laugh out there — anything beyond that is an absolute bonus.”
He will soon take part in an artist residency at La Mama Theatre to develop a new show and hopes to return to acting.
“To any young creatives in the Wimmera—it’s worth it,” he said.
“There’s an incredible collection of people passionate about theatre in the Horsham community. Start there!”