[THEATRE REVIEW] THE BEEP TEST @ Theatre Works Review (2025)
The win at all costs mentality that underpins The Beep Test carries with it a high price.
This is Year 7C, whose driven PE teacher channels his own unfulfilled ambitions into the captain of the football team, a standout player and reigning beep test champion.
I speak of a multi-stage fitness test, in which participants run back and forth between cones 20 metres apart before a beep rings out.
Miss a beep and that’s a strike. Three strikes and you are out.
But there is a catch. The duration between beeps is continually reduced, making it harder and harder to keep up, in the ultimate measure of endurance.
In this case, the beep test takes place on a floor level stage. It has been prepared complete with different coloured line markings, as would be seen in a school gym.
Importantly, as this is a musical, participants don’t have to run 20 metres back and forth, but we – the audience – still get the point.
Four take part, egged on by the teacher and each, including the teacher, have their own internal issues to navigate.
Reigning champion Zach (Axel Duffy) is arrogant, dismissive and, at times, downright nasty to others.
But behind the bravado is a poor public speaker and a son desperately craving his father’s presence and pride. You see, his dad (who we don’t see) never turns up to his football matches. So, Zach hopes winning the beep test again will bring with it the recognition he desires.
His biggest competition comes from Jane (Sara Reed), who was angry at finishing runner up to Zach last year. She has trained diligently to go one better this year and refuses to allow Zach to get into her head, despite his ongoing barbs.
Then there is the brainiac of the class, Sandra (Charlyi Jaz), who fears the wrath of her no-nonsense mother (who, again, we don’t see) should she finish last.
And finally, we have Cooper (Sebastian Li), a nice boy, with low self-esteem, derided by others, not helped by an embarrassing incident in fifth grade. Cooper likes Sandra and thinks she is cool, even though she doesn’t believe she is.
As far as the PE teacher, known as Sir (Lachie Hewson), is concerned, Zach is the epitome of what he could have been. That is a football champion in the making, in the mould of Essendon great, James Hird, the teacher’s hero.
Sir pushes Zach and all in the class hard – too hard, seemingly oblivious to their individual needs and wants.
Complete with a three-piece band – music director Jack Hollander on keys, Sonali Wijetunga on bass and Angus McKean on drums – The Beep Test delivers big time.
Directed by Jackson Peele, who is also responsible for the book and lyrics, with music and lyrics by Conor Neylon, its history dates back to 2019.
That is when the ridiculous premise for a musical became a reality, with a 10-minute showcase for their university’s cabaret competition.
Since then, it has been extended and sold out shows at three fringe festivals, winning multiple awards. That has included the Green Room Award for Best New Australian Musical.
Now the script, staging and set have been further developed and, notably, the musical has been included in the 2025 VCE drama school syllabus.
I can understand why because it is both funny and moving. There are lessons to be learned here about what really matters in life.
Themes including bullying, self-worth, interpersonal and familial relationships are dealt with and are readily relatable.
Musically too, The Beep Test is strong.
In fact, it is slick and professional, with solid production values. The set and lighting design are by Tom Vulcan, with sound design by Thomas Strode.
The Beep Test excels in terms of choreography, with movement being an integral component of the piece.
The cast is a beauty, adept vocally and well equipped to handle the highs and lows that the narrative brings.
All were excellent, but I would like to single out Charlyi Jaz for her vocal range and Lachie Hewson for the authority he invests in Sir.
This is a fun-filled show that instantly resonates. It is playing at Theatre Works until 10th May, 2025.
Review by Alex First Photography by Isabella Zetti