Goulburn Performing Arts Centre presents WILD THING

Published on 13 April 2023

Produced by Di Smith in association with Arts on Tour - WILD THING is a bold new Australian work by award-winning writer Suzanne Hawley, that will roar into Goulburn Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday 3^rd May.

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO FOR A FRIEND?   A provocative story for our times, this funny and poignant new Australian play is both a comedy and a tragedy.

A tale of sea eagles and pole dancing, of children and childhood dreams, of religion and rock ‘n roll. Most of all this is a tale of friendships that have stood the test of time.  Until now.

Jackie, Elizabeth, Frances and Susan become besties at high school and find freedom in Swinging London a decade later. After that they carve out very different lives for themselves and don't see each other as often, but always meet up once a year for the ‘Musketeer’s dinner’. But this year is different.

Past sixty, older but no wiser, the most radical member of the group is in crisis. To offer their support, the ‘Musketeers’ take Jackie back to her country home for a weekend – to relax and let their hair down. What could possibly go wrong? What follows tests their friendship, their morals and their courage as never before.

And a final twist will change their lives forever.

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“This play has a beating heart; it will remind you of your own pulse under your skin, steady and true but not forever, not promised."

Sydney Morning Herald

“Celebrates the profound importance of friendship. Four enchanting actors give supple characterisation to Hawley’s ultimately endearing and empowered women.” 

Richard Cotter, Sydney Arts Guide

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Di Smith – Actor and Producer shares - WHERE IT BEGAN…

Writer Suzanne Hawley and I first met when I was barely twenty, sharing a flat fresh out of drama school, where she was acting at The Ensemble and writing her first plays. She was (as she is now) brilliant, bold and completely unique. It’s extraordinary that this production re unites not only her but also three of my NIDA year and two other old friends, all stalwarts of the Australian stage. The themes of the play are ever present on the rehearsal room floor. The ease and genuine joy of working together again make this play fly high. It is hilarious and controversial, and will inflame an important debate, I’m sure.

For me, the journey began around Lewis Fitz-Gerald’s kitchen table early in 2017, with Penny Cook and Katrina Foster, NIDA classmates and old friends. We wanted to work together again. And I remember reading 'Wild Thing' only a month or two earlier. We are now without our marvellous Penny, but we have the play.

And four real female friends to tell it.

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VENUE, DATES & TIMES

VENUE: Goulburn Performing Arts Centre

DATES:  Wednesday 3^rd May

PERFORMANCE TIMES: 7.30pm

RUNNING TIME: 85 minutes (no interval)

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 18+

WARNINGS: Haze, strong language, drug use, loud gunshot, reference to suicide

For tickets go to https://www.goulburnpac.com.au/Events-directory/Wild-Thing              

Tickets are also available from the Box Office in person or call 02 4823 4999 Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 3pm

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