The result of Boil Up, Junior is a murder mystery, it's a comedy, it's a family drama, it's a look into the life of a family who is every bit as abnormal as the next family," says Maxwell.
Watkins takes a professionally relaxed approach to working on original pieces with younger artists.
"It's so exciting and inspiring to engage with the younger performers in our community, we say they're the next generation and I really love engaging in the theatre and conversations that are important to them," says Watkins.
Alongside Watkins, Junior features an ensemble of acclaimed Hamilton-based actors including musician Antony Aiono, Benny Marama (from The Meteor), and improv artist Stephanie Christian.
No stranger to the stage either, Maxwell is looking forward to the community experiencing a different flavour from his menu.
"With Junior, I've moved away from a rom com about 20-year-olds, and have instead written a grittier black comedy about what a lifetime of hurt can do to a family. It's spicy and irreverent, and I can't wait for people to see it."
A new Creative Development Projects, Boil Up exists to develop and support original works made in the region like Junior from conception to performance.
"This time all of the participants who saw their project through to Boil Up's final workshop are getting showings of their full production at The Meteor, thanks to the encouragement and mentorship from the programme," says Maxwell.
Junior is one of eight new original works created in the Waikato, and the first of four projects that will appear on stage at The Meteor between now and November.
Also showing this year are: Elsie by Lily Empson, Atāmira by Hinerangimarie Berryman, and Wish I Was There, by James Smith.
To book tickets to any of the Boil Up productions, visit www.themeteor.co.nz and for updates on Junior follow 'Junior by Conor Maxwell' on Facebook.
