A flambOYant start to February was had at Lunar Leederville for the highly anticipated premiere of WA’s own Invisible Boys. The energy in the room was electric. The audience was ready to witness this deeply personal and powerful story unfold on screen.
Filmed in Geraldton, this bold and emotionally charged series follows four teenage boys as they navigate the messy, exhilarating, and often painful journey of identity, relationships, and sexuality. Inspired by Holden Sheppard’s award-winning novel, the Stan Original Series Invisible Boys drops all ten episodes on February 13, promising an unfiltered and gripping exploration of growing up queer in a small town.
But beyond its powerful storytelling, Invisible Boys is a win for WA’s arts industry. It has injected an impressive $6.7 million into the state’s economy, with $1.7 million directly benefiting the Geraldton region. The production has created 540 local jobs, including 200 in regional WA, proving that homegrown stories don’t just resonate – they create real impact. Supported by Lotterywest and the WA State Government, the series stands as a shining example of how investing in local talent pays off both creatively and economically.
Key to bringing this production to life was Amanda Duffy, who played a crucial role in commissioning content outside of WA and worked closely with Stan to make it happen. Under the direction of Nick Verso, the series masterfully captures the raw beauty and isolation of regional Australia while delivering deeply personal and universal themes.
Adding to the excitement was the presence of WA’s own Hayley McElhinney, whose performance is a testament to her remarkable versatility.
Watching the opening episodes, I was struck by so many relatable moments – feeling scared, feeling like an outcast, feeling like a misfit. Joseph Zada in particular delivered those emotions with gut-wrenching authenticity, making it impossible not to be moved.
For those discovering themselves, or those who’ve fought to be seen, Invisible Boys will hit straight to the heart. Don’t miss it on Stan!