‘The Pool’: a new immersive play makes a splash (literally) with Perth audiences

For a day during which temperature hit a high 36 degrees, last Sunday was the perfect day to be poolside for the opening night of Black Swan State Theatre Company’s The Pool.

Penned by Steve Rodgers (writer of television’s Rush series), The Pool is both the title of this summer-perfect play and the actual setting, this being Bold Park Aquatic Centre in City Beach.

And around the pool is where the audience gathers for a captivating and immersive experience. With Perth summers regularly seeing high temperatures like this, I can’t believe there’s not been a cleverly combined piece of theatre like this.

The cast and a supportive ensemble appear to enjoy performing in the pool as much as the audience are riveted in viewing it. Once the sun sets, Bold Park pool comes to life, where the audience – wearing headsets – is invited to listen to the live performance, a surprisingly calming experience.

Prior to the performance you can enjoy mingling with a bevvy in hand or supper on the lawn. Once seated on the concrete steps, (you will need to bring your own cushions or low back chairs) the cast breathes life into the pool through slices of life’s simple but magical moments, captured in pre-recorded anecdotal stories and live performance in and around the pool.

Diving, laps, bombies, swim coaching, teen romance, mother-daughter conflict, and warm-hearted stories bring together an all-sorts of characters and subcultures that capture an Aussie identity all at once retro and modern.

The short stories are warm, funny and nostalgic in their relatability. The Pool is effortlessly inclusive, seamlessly presenting authentic perspectives.

I took my daughter and we arrived early to enjoy a refreshing sunset swim in the heated pool – a great way to immerse yourself in this highlight of the Perth Festival. Or you can opt in to participate in the show’s electric pool finale, taking part in an aqua aerobics class.

It was quite the sight to behold a pool full of people in colorful cossies, hugging bright foam noodles and moving to the retro music in an energetic closing scene.

Be a part of the big splash; it’s theatre of a unique kind.

Annette McCubbin

‘The Pool’ is on now as part of Perth Festival. Check out the vox pops, below.

Tickets are available through blackswantheatre.com.au.

Photography by Daniel J Grant.