Home | Shows | Past Productions | SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER
Deep amongst the monstrous flytraps and ferns in Sebastian’s garden, tendrils of a sordid family secret are beginning to unfurl. Vibrant, funny, beautiful, Tennessee Williams takes us into the poetic world of redemption and love, shadowed by the dark secrets a family can hold.
- Playwright Tennessee Williams
- Director Shaun Rennie
- Assistant Director Emma Canalese
- Cast Valerie Bader
Andrea Demetriades
Belinda Giblin
Remy Hii
Socratis Otto
Kate Skinner - Understudies Jamie Oxenbould
Grace Smibert - Set & Costume Designer Simone Romaniuk
- Lighting Designer Morgan Moroney
- Composer & Sound Designer Kelly Ryall
- Dialect Coach Linda Nicholls-Gidley
- Intimacy, Movement & Fight Director Nigel Poulton
- Stage Manager Erin Shaw
- Assistant Stage Manager Sophie Jones
- Costume Supervisor Monica Smith
- Costume Assistant Alexis Worthing
- 18 May 2023 - 10 Jun 2023
- 90 mins (no interval)
- Recommended for ages 12+
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Hearing Loop
- Audio Described (selected dates)
- Adult themes, smoking (theatrical e-cigarette), references to mental illness, class and race.
Overview
Deep amongst the monstrous flytraps and ferns in Sebastian’s garden, tendrils of a sordid family secret are beginning to unfurl.
Sebastian Venable died mysteriously last summer and his mother Violet will do anything in her power to protect his memory – and her own reputation. Young cousin Catharine was the only witness to this nightmarish event. She is desperate to reveal what really happened, but Violet will go to any lengths to stop the ugly truth from seeing the light of day.
Tennessee Williams’ gothic masterpiece, led by Shaun Rennie, who also directed Ensemble’s 2019 BABY DOLL, is as relevant today as it was when written over 60-years ago.
Vibrant, funny, beautiful, Tennessee Williams takes us into the poetic world of redemption and love, shadowed by the dark secrets a family can hold.
Ticket Prices
For group bookings of 10+, please call Box office on (02 8918 3400) or email boxoffice@ensemble.com.au
Prices correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice.
| TICKET TYPE | PREVIEWS | IN SEASON |
|---|---|---|
| FULL PRICE | $85 | $90 |
| SENIOR CARD | $82 | $87 |
| PENSIONER | $78 | $83 |
| GROUP 10 - 19 | $78 | $83 |
| GROUP 20+ | $73 | $78 |
| 30 OR UNDER | $40 | $43 |
| FULL-TIME STUDENT | $40 | $43 |
| SCHOOL GROUPS | $25 | $25 |
Reviews
★★★★ “It’s a play that drips life” Sydney Morning Herald
★★★★ “sharp and poetic” Theatre Thoughts
★★★★ "Compact, precise and haunting” Cultural Binge
“Williams’s tale is entrancingly told here in a sparely elegant and well-acted production” Limelight
“dramatic tension through the piece proves deliciously satisfying.” Suzy Goes See
“one not to be missed” Sydney Arts Guide
"packed full of scandal and melodrama” Stage Whispers
“Captivatingly simple expression of SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER” Broadway World
“builds to a thrilling climax.” Megaphone Oz
"fascinating to watch.” Theatre Travels
“Precisely directed, tightly acted, creatively staged and tautly timed” Carol Wimmer
Cast & Creatives
Tennessee Williams
Playwright
Shaun Rennie
Director
Emma Canalese
Assistant Director
Valerie Bader
as Mrs Holly
Andrea Demetriades
Actor
Belinda Giblin
Actor
Remy Hii
as Doctor
Socratis Otto
as George
Kate Skinner
Actor
Jamie Oxenbould
Understudy
Grace Smibert
Actor
Simone Romaniuk
Set & Costume Designer
Morgan Moroney
Lighting Designer
Kelly Ryall
Composer & Sound Designer
Linda Nicholls-Gidley
Dialect Coach
Nigel Poulton
Intimacy, Movement & Fight Director
Erin Shaw
Graduating from the Technical Theatre and Stage Management course at NIDA in 2016, Erin has previously worked in the industry as a dresser on GIRL ASLEEP (Belvoir, 2016); stage manager on LITTLE BORDERS (The 505, 2017), MOTH (ATYP, 2017), and LOVE, ME (The 505, 2018); and assistant stage manager on DIPLOMACY (Ensemble Theatre, 2018) and BLISS (Belvoir, 2018).
Erin feels privileged to have worked with such an incredible team on this production and looks forward to the season.
Sophie Jones
Assistant Stage Manager
Monica Smith
COSTUME SUPERVISOR
Monica Smith’s career has been characterised by a passion for theatre, dance and opera, as well as a dedication to excellence in her work in costume.
This year, she has also coordinated at Sydney Theatre Company for the production of HUBRIS & HUMILIATION, and previously worked at Opera Australia, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Sydney Dance Company and Belvoir St Theatre. She has worked with some of the most respected directors, designers and performers in the industry, showcasing her versatility in various productions. This year is Monica’s first season with Ensemble Theatre and is looking forward to the upcoming productions.
Alexis Worthing
Costume AssistantSpecial Performances
Audio Described
- Wed 31 May 11am
- Sat 3 Jun 2pm
Tactile Tours are available 1 hour prior to Audio Described performances, please contact the Box Office to book.
Q&A Session
- Wed 24 May 8.15pm
- Wed 31 May 11am
Free Teen
- Wed 31 May 6.15pm
Director at Work Session (with Shaun Rennie)
- Thu 27 Apr 4pm – 5.30pm (+BOOK TICKETS)
Production Photos
Download the Program
Discover more about SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER with our digital program. It’s packed full of info about the show including a Director’s note, cast and creative bios, plus photos and more!