ETTIE’S BOYS Holden Street Theatres Holden Street Theatres Until 27 Jul 2014 Review by Luke Wagner There have been many women throughout history who have left a massive legacy that will forever be remembered. Ettie Rout is one of these women. Ettie’s Boys follows a feisty young Ettie Rout as she fights for realistic prevention for serving soldiers against sexually transmitted diseases. The lives of those touched by Ettie’s passion and determination leave a permanent mark on her. Director Tony Moore brings to life Ian McGrath’s script beautifully. The overall presentation of the show was well structured and restrained, which enhanced the overall intensity of the performances. The use of multimedia was somewhat ineffective. At times it was a distraction from the actors themselves. The images were inconsistent in quality and proportion and a smaller screen above the stage with titles and captions could have been incorporated into the main background to keep a focal point on the stage. Adrian Gruzska did well in his role of Nick, the Officer. He developed a consistent character but needs to be mindful of his articulation. Brian Godfrey* in various roles was a lighter character needed to balance a heavy story. Godfrey does this well, with the help of many accents, some of which are interesting to decipher. Maxine Harding was the strongest of the supporting roles, transitioning from one character to another seamlessly. Joanna Webb as the title character was captivating. She handled the role with grace and humility. Her passion for the young men serving for their country was a pleasure to watch. It is always great to see a story told of someone who has left a legacy. Theatre allows us to keep these people alive for future generations to understand and appreciate. *Brian Godfrey is a reviewer for the Adelaide Theatre Guide