Wild Thing

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

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. 

FROM THE WRITER

The women of Wild Thing are all War Babies, a rare generation. A small group of kids – born between 1939 and 1945 – while our men were away overseas, fighting for Mother England. A generation who went from ‘How much is that doggy in the window’ to ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ almost overnight. They share their birthdays with the likes of Mick Jagger, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Steven Hawking, Joni Mitchell and Janis Joplin. American historian Richard Pell argues that war babies were instrumental in most of the social and cultural movements of the 60s and 70s. 

And what a time it was to grow up in Oz! You learned about sex reading the Doctor's Book your mum kept hidden in the cupboard with the lift-up flaps that showed…well actually nothing. Not even a nipple. When education for working class girls was limited to ‘Domestic’ how to cook and clean for your man and ‘Commercial’ earning shorthand and typing so you could marry the boss. Leave school at 15, get a job, pay board. University was only for the wealthy. Then came rock n roll, Elvis’s hips, the pill and all hell broke loose. The age of innocence was over. This is the conditioning and the times of our Wild Thing women.
- Suzanne Hawley

The moral dilemma at the play’s centre is one that’s been shoved from the headlines… If the subject is close to you in any way, it is rewarding theatre.

REVIEWS

“Four enchanting actors give supple characterisation to Hawley’s ultimately endearing and empowered women."
Sydney Arts Guide 

"The moral dilemma at the play’s centre is one that’s been shoved from the headlines by hotter-burning issues of climate, gender and race.If the subject is close to you in any way, it’s rewarding theatre."
Audrey Journal

"Di Smith brings nuance to the role of Jackie, along with considerable dignity to this important tale of personal agency, for women of a certain age. Helen O’Connor is memorable as the carefree Elizabeth, bringing a sense of cheeky ebullience to the show. The passionate Frances is played by Katrina Foster, whose approach proves to be unmistakeably kooky, and Di Adams’ restraint only makes Susan’s sexual escapades more scandalous."
Suzie Goes See

“It is a beautiful play that deals with important contemporary issues with wisdom and true care delivered by a wonderful cast. There is much laughter. Finishes on Saturday Go.”
Kevin Jackson’s Theatre Diary

TOURING IN 2023

Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre Penrith, NSW | Land of the Darug People
14 – 15 April | BOOK

Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre, NSW | Land of the Tubba-Gah & Wiradjuri People
18 April | BOOK

Orange Civic Centre, NSW | Land of the Wiradjuri People
20 April | BOOK

Jetty Memorial Theatre Coffs Harbour, NSW | Land of the Gumbaynggirr People
22 April | BOOK

Griffith Regional Theatre, NSW | Land of the Wiradjuri People
26 April  | BOOK

The Q - Queanbeyan, NSW | Land of the Ngambri and Ngunnawal People
28 – 29 April | BOOK

Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, NSW | Land of the Gundungurra People
3 May | BOOK

Glen Street Theatre Belrose, NSW | Land of the Garigal People
5 – 7 May | BOOK

Cessnock Community Performing Arts Centre, NSW | Land of the Wonnarua People
10 May | BOOK

Glasshouse Theatre Port Macquarie, NSW | Land of the Birpai People
12 May | BOOK

Manning Entertainment Centre, NSW | Land of the Biripi People
14 May | BOOK