Popping Lead Balloons
A high-energy comic drama for teens and anyone who has survived adolescence.
“Powerful and truthful. I saw it twice and was moved both times.” — Sue Pearn, All Hallows’ School, 2009
Join Mel as she takes a walk down the not so sweet memory lane of her high school years – when bitching became an art form and the sound of a text message could mean that your whole social life was about to crumble.
A wickedly funny stand up routine, interspersed with scenes depicting school life (and social death), Popping Lead Balloons explores the nature of contemporary girl culture, with its complicated status games and high-tech bullying. Taking Arthur Miller’s The Crucible as inspiration, the show examines a modern witch hunt and the consequences for both the bullies and their victims.
“Wonderful! So relevant and entertaining.” — Tara Richter, Millmerran State School, 2009
Production images
Click on any of the thumbnails below to view.
Production Team
Written by Bridget Boyle, Robert Kronk and Liz Skitch
Director: Bridget Boyle
Featuring: Louise Brehmer, Tammy Weller and Natalie Trent
Design: Jonathon Oxlade and Josh McIntosh
Sound design: Thom BrowningVideo Teaser
Production History
Premier tour (Queensland Arts Council) February – April & July – August 2009, Brisbane metropolitan area and regional Queensland.
2011 Queensland Tour presented by arTour (Queensland Arts Council) 21 March – 8 April 2011, up the coast to north Queensland and central Queensland.
2011 Victoria Tour presented by Regional Arts Victoria arts2go 29 August – 9 September 2011, regional Victoria.
Touring information
Popping Lead Balloons is not currently available for tour.
Target audience: Secondary school age group (Years 7 to 12) to adult (parental supervision recommended for younger age groups).
Running time: 60 minutes
Number in touring party: 3 artists, 0 crew
Bump in: 60 minutes Bump out: 60 minutes
Venue: Theatres, schools or community halls (indoor venue).
Critical issues: Sound system required (that laptop can be plugged into).
Venue technical requirements: Stage size, 4 x 4 m. Dressing room preferable but rest rooms are adequate. Lighting flexible.
Marketing materials: High quality images available on request. Professionally shot DVD (full length and trailer).Education
Associated Workshops
Workshop themes: Anti-bullying (best suited to Years 7 to 10); Creating Comic Characters (best suited to Years 9 to 12)
Minimum/maximum number of participants: 10–35
Workshop requirements: large clear space
Workshop duration: 1hr 30 mins
Workshop cost: on application
Curriculum Links: Anti-bullying; Creating comic characters
Comprehensive teachers’ notes available.
