Unwrapping The Simple Gift

From the page to the stage, Andre Victor’s multi-award-winning theatre adaptation of Steven Herrick’s book, The Simple Gift, is set to hit Fringe World this year. The production follows the story of an Australian teen, Billy, in the early 2000s, as he runs away from home to build a new life, learning kindness and generosity along the way. Following a successful season at Roleystone Theatre last year, The Simple Gift hits Theatre 1 at Hayman Theatre on Tuesday, January 28, until Sunday, February 2, with tickets on sale now. BEC WELDON sat down with Andre Victor to find out more about this heartfelt coming-of-age story.

Thanks for taking some time out of your Fringe preparations to speak to us! You’re directing The Simple Gift, a new addition to this year’s Fringe World festival line-up! Can you tell us about the show?

The Simple Gift was originally a short novel by Steven Herrick, where he took the character of Billy, a teen running away from home to find himself a new life, and he gave us insight into the character’s mind by writing completely in first-person free verse. Some really nerdy literary stuff, but it allows the audience to see the world from someone else’s eyes. I always thought that the story could have always been a little theatre show, and after hearing an interview with Herrick about how poetry isn’t about how clever it is or how it looks on a page but how it sounds, I knew I had to get the words from his book onto a stage, which is why I adapted it!

The Simple Gift is a complex story about kindness, self-discovery, generosity, and challenge. What drew you to the script?

I was only 13 when I first read Herrick’s book—and I connected heavily with it as I was experiencing many things that Billy experienced. To me, though, the kindness and generosity themes have hit home the most. I mean, there is this kid who has nothing to his name, still trying to help someone who is worse off. I am not sure if you are a soppy kind of person, but to me, that makes me swell with tears every time.

Tell us about the creative process behind The Simple Gift. What approach did you take to bring the script to the stage?

I had to go from book to script, and I needed to get to the core of what happens in the story. I completely devoured the book, and if I had all the time in the world, I would let every word of that book ring out. However, time is a factor, and so I cut so much from the book that I got the most simple story out of it—one boy running away from home.

From an original document of 205 pages, I got it down to fifteen. I don’t like to take credit for the writing, but one of my mentors said, “It takes a good writer to know what to write, and it takes a better one to know what to cut.” I constantly asked myself throughout the whole process and even when I got into the rehearsal room, “Why is this here?” and if I couldn’t find a solid reason, it got cut. The original had this small part about sandwiches, which is cute and symbolic, but it didn’t serve the simple story of Billy, so we said goodbye to it.

The Simple Gift is making its return to the Western Australian stage after a successful run at Roleystone Theatre in September 2024. What encouraged you to bring the show to Fringe World for 2025?

Two reasons—actors and audience. We only got to perform for two nights at Roleystone, and I felt that the actors deserved more performances. And on that exact same note, many people couldn’t come to watch because it was only on for two nights, so I reached out to a bunch of people for their opinions, and almost every single one of them said, “put it on for Fringe!”

You’re bringing the original cast of Harry McGuire (Billy), Benjamin Small (Old Bill), and Caitlyn Boyle (Caitlin) back to the stage. How has the show evolved since it was first performed?

I have gone through even more edits, mainly jokes that didn’t land last time and making room for the moments that did land to sit for longer. There is also something interesting about actors who stay with characters for a while—they tend to know them more. Though, I think the actors are allowing themselves to be seen more and putting more into it than before.

Andre, as a WAAPA graduate and having recently studied with the Australian Shakespeare Company and Prague Shakespeare Company, how did your acting training influence your directorial approach to the show?

Throughout the past few years of learning and moulding my craft, I took note of how I was pushed to discover ideas and to allow myself to be vulnerable on stage and go with an idea no matter how silly or out there it might seem. The biggest difference between a bad actor and a good actor, to me, is commitment to what you do. You can see someone half-asking something, but as they are committed to the bit, it shows a connection, even if it is jumping around and clowning on a stage.

In the Fringe maelstrom of available shows, including theatre pieces, what do you think sets The Simple Gift aside? 

Fringe is filled with beautiful burlesque, taunting cabaret, and some downright funny laughs. All of it is good, but a lot of times they seem to be trying to go big or fancy. I have strived to do what the show suggests and keep it simple. I want good actors telling you a great story.

What do you hope audiences will take away from The Simple Gift?

If anything, I want them to go away and ask themselves what their simple gift is. More specifically, I would love for the audience to be a shoulder for a friend, an ear for the unlistened, and a smile for those who are saddened. I think I got all soppy again!

The Simple Gift is showing in Theatre 1 at Hayman Theatre from Tuesday, January 28, until Sunday, February 2, 2025. Tickets are on sale now from fringeworld.com.au