A Record or an OBE co-stars Rob Lloyd and Ben McKenzie are reunited on stage next month for theatre in decay’s The Lobotomist, a 10-minute musical presented as part of the Short and Sweet play competition.

Trainee psychiatrist Walter Freeman (Ben McKenzie) is in love with his patient, the beautiful Madeline Ashbry (Jessica Kirby). Fearful of retribution from the Medical Board, and rejection by Madeline, Walter attempts to repress his feelings. Late one night the ghost of his namesake, Walter “Icepick” Freeman (Rob Lloyd), inventor of the lobotomy, appears to him to teach him to take a chance and follow his dreams, no matter how crazy they may be. The play also features musicians Mick Cahill, Bree Hartley and writer/director Robert Reid.

The Lobotomist has been chosen as one of the Top 30 entries as an independent theatre company submission, and will be performed in Week 2 of the competition, from December 12th to 15th. Short and Sweet itself runs from December 5th to 22nd at the Fairfax Studio, Melbourne Arts Centre, St Kilda Road. Tickets are $23 – $28, with ten plays presented at each performance. Booking and other details are available on the competition’s web site.