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Leo has been ravaged by years of alcohol abuse, self-loathing and indulgent misbehaviour, and now needs round-the-clock care. Enter Therese, fresh out of prison and down to her last option, who takes up the challenge as Leo’s carer. Therese is determined to succeed – even if it means going head-to-head with Mr. Bailey.
- Playwright Debra Oswald
- Director Damien Ryan
- Assistant Director Margaret Thanos
- Cast John Gaden AO
Rachel Gordon
Albert Mwangi
Claudia Ware - Set & Costume Designer Soham Apte
- Lighting Designer Morgan Moroney
- Composer & Sound Designer Daryl Wallis
- Intimacy, Movement & Fight Director Scott Witt
- Stage Manager Lauren Tulloh
- Costume Supervisor Renata Beslik
- Costume Art Finisher Sasha Wisniowski
- 02 Sep 2023
- 2hrs 20mins (including interval)
- Recommended for ages 14+
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Hearing Loop
- Audio Described (selected dates)
- Contains strong language, strobe lighting, adult themes, and themes of addiction and mental health.
Overview
John Gaden returns to the Ensemble stage. In 2018 he was alongside John Bell in the Ensemble production of DIPLOMACY, in 2023 John plays Leo Bailey, a national treasure and one of Australia’s greatest artists in MR BAILEY’S MINDER.
Leo has been ravaged by years of alcohol abuse, self-loathing and indulgent misbehaviour, and now needs round-the-clock care. Enter Therese, fresh out of prison and down to her last option, who takes up the challenge as Leo’s carer. Therese is determined to succeed – even if it means going head-to-head with Mr. Bailey.
Debra Oswald paints a poignant and funny portrait of what it takes to forgive and to let go. Bristling with sharp humour and beautiful complexities, MR BAILEY’S MINDER is a bold reminder that underneath the brittle veneer, there are rich layers of human experience to unearth and discover.
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.
| SINGLE TICKETS | PREVIEWS | IN SEASON |
|---|---|---|
| FULL PRICE | $75 | $80 |
| SENIORS CARD | $72 | $77 |
| PENSIONER | $68 | $73 |
| 30 OR UNDER | $38 | $43 |
| FULL-TIME STUDENT | $38 | $43 |
| MEAA/AWG | $38 | $43 |
| SCHOOL GROUPS | $25 | $25 |
| GROUP 10 - 19 | $72 | $77 |
| GROUP 20+ | $68 | $73 |
Reviews
★★★★1/2 “Led by a superb cast, there is much warmth and heart in this latest revival, offering bouts of laughter and moments for plenty of tears” Theatre Thoughts
★★★★ “Mr Bailey’s Minder and his laughter and tears make for one of the most popular Australian plays of this era and deservedly so.” Stage Noise
“full of wit and sharp observation” Limelight
“more than worthy of this revival because it plumbs considerable depths in the relationship between artistry and humanity, and between baseness and forgiveness.” Sydney Morning Herald
“a challenging and rewarding theatre experience that was fully appreciated by the audience” Eastside Radio
“Gaden’s palpable chemistry with each member of cast, makes everything magically palatable” Suzy Goes See
“It starts with a brilliant bang, the best set-up scene I’ve seen in many a year.” Stage Whispers
"With stellar performances from the entire cast, this play shines as another gem in the Ensemble’s crown” The Plus Ones
Cast & Creatives
Debra Oswald
Playwright
Damien Ryan
Director
Margaret Thanos
Assistant Director
John Gaden AO
Ensemble Theatre: MR BAILEY’S MINDER, DIPLOMACY, THE RASPUTIN AFFAIR. Sydney Theatre Company: DO NOT GO GENTLE, SAINT JOAN, ORLANDO, MACBETH, ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD, FACE TO FACE, WAR OF THE ROSES. Melbourne Theatre Company: STRAIGHT WHITE MEN, OTHER DESERT CITIES. Belvoir: PACKER AND SONS, CLOUDSTREET (National and International Tour). THE WILD DUCK (National and International Tour), SEVENTEEN, HAMLET. State Theatre Company of South Australia: KING LEAR. Queensland Theatre Company: NO MAN’S LAND. Film: THE DEATH AND LIFE OF OTTO BLOOM, THE EYE OF THE STORM, THANK GOD HE MET LIZZIE, CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION, MURIEL’S WEDDING. Television: FISK, THE APPLETON LADIES’ POTATO RACE, SIGNIFICANT OTHERS, BUMP, OPERATION BUFFALO, RAKE, A PLACE TO CALL HOME.
Rachel Gordon
Albert Mwangi
as Karl/Gavin
Claudia Ware
as Therese
Soham Apte
Set & Costume Designer
Morgan Moroney
Lighting Designer
Daryl Wallis
Composer & Sound Designer
Scott Witt
Intimacy, Movement & Fight Director
Lauren Tulloh
Stage Manager
Renata Beslik
Costume SupervisorDownload the Program
Discover more about MR BAILEY’S MINDER with our digital program. It’s packed full of info about the show including writer’s and director’s notes, cast and creative bios, plus photos and more!
Special performances
Audio Described
- Thu 24 Aug 11am
- Sat 26 Aug 3.30pm
Tactile Tours are available 1 hour prior to Audio Described performances, please contact the Box Office to book.
Q&A Session
- Fri 11 Aug 8pm
- Thu 17 Aug 11am
Free Teen
- Wed 30 Aug 7.30pm