⭐ The Story Behind Slimy Slim

⭐ The Story Behind Slimy Slim — From Patch Theatre to the Page

Long before The Dark Secret of Ian’s Peak existed, I was performing with Patch Theatre, travelling through schools all over Western Australia and bringing characters to life on stage. One of those characters was a nervous, jittery pirate named Slimy Slim — a role that ended up shaping far more of my life than I ever expected.

I still remember the day our director, Mr. Crann, told me I had to climb a tall ladder during the show. The problem? I was terrified of heights. So when Slimy Slim shook, trembled, and panicked… that wasn’t acting. That was me.

During rehearsal, I refused to climb it. Mr. Crann — who played the villain pirate — poked me with his sword all the way up the rungs until I reached the top. Just when I thought I was safe, he started shaking the ladder. I climbed down in a huff and declared, “I’m never coming back to the theatre.” Of course, I came back the next day… and stayed for another year and a half.

When I was preparing to leave the role behind, a new actor joined the cast to play Black Jack. I was there to help train the next Slimy Slim — but the moment I saw how good this new Black Jack was, I turned to the director and said, “I want to stay on. I need to act with him.” And it was true — he brought out the best in me. Every terrified reaction Slimy Slim had suddenly felt real again.

After I eventually left Patch Theatre, the play ended too. It was never performed again.

Then, about thirty years later, I was at a poker tournament chatting with a guy who asked about my acting days. The next time I saw him, he said, “Did you act for Patch Theatre years ago?” I said yes. Then he asked, “Did you play Slimy Slim?” When I told him I did, he hugged me and said, “I just hugged Slimy Slim. Wait until I tell Mum — she’ll be shocked.”

I never saw him again, but that moment stayed with me. Slimy Slim had lived in someone’s memory for decades — and that meant something.

So when I started writing again, I knew he had to return. And now he does — in The Curse of Slimy Slim, the second story in the Ian’s Peak universe.

Slimy Slim was a big part of my life. Now he’s part of my books too.

Keep your eyes out for The Dark Secret of Ian’s Peak: Book 2.