Mervyn Glue As The Drag Queen Of Toorak (Press, 9 June 1982)

On 9 June 1982, an article featured Mervyn Glue, a multi-faceted individual known as a criminal lawyer, actor, and humorous reciter, who has taken on the challenging role of a transvestite named Robert O'Brien in the Australian play “The Elocution of Benjamin Franklin.” This production will be showcased at the Southern Ballet Theatre over the next two weeks. Glue has devoted three months to preparing for this one-man performance, which includes learning two hours of dialogue that he anticipates will shock some audiences. He describes the play as "fantastic," recognising its rudeness, humour, and underlying sadness, characterising it as a ‘gay’ work of art. Though Glue identifies as heterosexual, he has experience representing homosexuals and transvestites in the legal realm, and he approaches the role with no prejudice. He embraces the character of O'Brien, who is a flamboyant teacher of elocution with personal struggles, such as a stammer. Glue finds the experience of shopping for women's clothing and shoes both amusing and challenging, reflecting on the sometimes suspicious responses of shopkeepers. His effort includes creating a suitable costume, including a custom-made dress and a costly wig. Mervyn Glue is personally financing the production, having bought rights to the play after a lengthy pursuit, and he has assumed responsibility for set design and costume creation. He views this venture as the most significant in his career, noting that opportunities for actors of his stature are limited. The script was originally penned by Steven J. Spears for actor Gordon Chater, who had notable runs in both Sydney and London. Despite competition from another theatre group seeking to perform the play in Wellington, Glue will go first with the South Island rights and is even considering a tour if the initial run proves successful. He describes the work as exceptionally written, reflecting on the isolation and frustrations that individuals face, particularly through the dynamic between the main character O'Brien and a young boy named Benjamin Franklin, who struggles with stuttering and is pushed by his dominating mother to seek help. Glue acknowledges that the play will likely provoke strong reactions and emotions in audiences, believing that contemporary society is becoming more resilient to provocative themes. While acknowledging the comedic elements, Glue underscores the play's tragic aspects and its exploration of tolerance and understanding. He anticipates that curiosity may bring some members of the gay community, who might critique his interpretation, to the performance. Glue approaches the demanding role with both excitement and trepidation, gearing up for the quick costume changes that his character requires, and expressing a determination to meet the personal challenge the role presents.

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