Review By Nola Bartolo
If you think you know where Chasing Dick: A Love Story is going based on the title alone—think again. TayoTayo Collective has brought a show to Qtopia Sydney's Loading Dock Theatre that is as bold as it is heartfelt, as outrageous as it is thought-provoking. Dax Carnay’s latest entry in the Trans/Scripts series doesn’t just push boundaries; it pirouettes over them in stilettos, then invites you in for a deep and meaningful chat about love, identity, and the generational divide.
Set in a small Australian town where gossip spreads faster than WiFi, the play follows a buttoned-up accountant father and his charmingly messy bisexual son as they unwittingly pursue the same love interest: the charismatic and enigmatic Dick, a transwoman who turns their world (and emotional stability) upside down. What unfolds is a deliciously chaotic family drama that somehow manages to be both laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely moving—sometimes within the same scene.
The performances are stellar. Dax Carnay (who also co-directs) brings undeniable magnetism to Dick, making it clear why both father and son are utterly smitten. Chris Colley and Jason Jefferies, as the unlikely romantic rivals, masterfully balance their characters’ awkward tension with impeccable comedic timing. Their dinner table confrontations alone could power an entire season of reality TV.
Visually, the show dazzles. Sam Hernandez’s set and costume design create a vibrant, lived-in world, while Jordan Hanrahan-Carnay’s projections add an extra layer of modernity and flair. The direction by James Lau and Carnay-Hanrahan ensures that the pace never drags, keeping the audience hooked from start to finish.
But beneath all the humour and absurdity lies a deeply resonant story about self-discovery, acceptance, and the way love can show up in the most unexpected places. Chasing Dick doesn’t just entertain—it invites audiences to reflect, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear (if they’re not too busy catching their breath from the last joke).
In short: this show is a must-see. Whether you come for the comedy, the clever writing, or just to witness a father and son’s spectacularly awkward romantic rivalry, Chasing Dick: A Love Story delivers.
