World of Chickens a theatrical adaptation of Nick Earls' novel

University of Queensland medical students and junior doctors are performing a play adaptation of esteemed Brisbane novelist Nick Earls’ World of Chickens’ for charity.

The play opened on 12 May and runs over four nights at the Studio, Metro Arts, Edward Street, Brisbane, with all proceeds supporting the University of Queensland Medical Society’s Ashintosh Foundation.

Director and UQ medical alumnus, Dr Michael Toon said they were honoured and delighted to bring this first theatrical adaptation of the novel to the stage.

“We hope that Nick Earls' fans, supporters of the Ashintosh Foundation, lovers of the stage and those who like the lighter side of medicine enjoy the production,” Dr Toon said.

“The first two nights have been fantastic, near capacity attendance, lots of laughs and wonderful performances from the whole cast.

“Anyone coming over the next couple of nights will not be disappointed.”

World of Chickens tells the story of two medical students, Phil and Frank, and their complicated relationship with their employer at a takeaway chicken shop, Ron Todd's World of Chickens.

Phil and Frank are very good friends, but very different people and Ron's family offer far more than they counted on working part-time to support their studies at the Mater Hospital.

World of Chickens is the debut production of the Short Case Theatre Company, a new initiative of the Ashintosh Foundation.

Dr Toon said the Short Case Theatre Company is proud to support a great cause and has more productions planned for the future.

“It would be nice to find another local, medical story to tell that was perhaps a bit darker,” Dr Toon said.

“An historical drama might be on the cards or even a competition for a medical playwright.

“The theatre company can also use the talented actors in short films, I see a Tropfest entry for next year a possibility.”

World Of Chickens is currently running over four nights, Sunday 12th to Wednesday 15th May at The Studio, Metro Arts, Edward Street, Brisbane.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased here. Media: Brian Mallon, Communication Officer School of Medicine, 0403621109, 07 3365 5254 b.mallon@uq.edu.au