Women's Writes - a short play selection

About the Season

The Hartwell Players, Melbourne's oldest community theatre company, is celebrating "women's writes" with a season of short plays by female writers. Three of the plays were written by Hartwell members. The first, Delirious Delusion, is a psychological drama written by Libby Brockman and Georgina Campbell at age 15, then updated two years later, especially for this production.

This selection of "one act" plays also tickles the funny bone, with plenty of comedy. In The Invitation, elderly monarchists Mary & Pat resort to extremes to attend the Queen's 80th birthday. A naughty weekend away is a farce when two couples are both booked into Room 22. And for a bit of melodrama, there's Little Red Riding Hood (and a wolf called Elvis) – the true story, as told by her cousin Blue.

Bookings

• Buy tickets online through TryBooking (http://trybooking.com/BYG) via credit card and get your tickets instantly.
• Or pay cash at the door (no credit card). Email bookings@hartwellplayers.org.au or call 9889 5006.
  

Venue

Ashwood Performing Arts Centre
Ashwood College
Vannam Drive, Ashwood (off High Street Road)
Melway ref: 60 J10

About the Plays

Room 22

Written by Pamela McManus
Directed by Kate Deavin

Synopsis: An ordinary Married Couple bored with life decide to spice things up with a dirty weekend. Unknown to each other they book into the Grand Comfort Hotel with their younger partners, both under the name 'Smith'! With the Hotel owned by Coralie & Mildred, a weekend of confusion and intrigue is assured, with many twists and turns, fun and frivolity. Agatha Christie meets Fawlty Towers.

The Invitation

Written by Felicité Keeble
Directed by Helen Rogers

Synopsis: Keen Aussie royalists, Mary & Pat, receive an invitation to attend the 80th Birthday celebrations of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Unfortunetly funds are tight. Mary comes up with a perfect plan to raise the money, but Mary's son & daughter-in-law aren't too keen on it... What are two old ladies to do?

Little Red Riding Hood (and a wolf called Elvis)

Written by Narelle Lee
Directed by Nathan Jones

Synopsis: Think you know the true story of sweet, angelic Little Red Riding Hood? Her sister Louise (Little Blue Riding Hood) would like to set you straight on a few details. Come tip-toe through the tulips to Grandma's and find out what really happened.

Delirious Delusion

Written by Libby Brockman and Georgina Campbell
Directed by Sasha Kerdel

Synopsis: Jennifer has a happy, typical life, except that in her mind she is drawn into another reality, with a cruel doctor and parents who don't know how to handle her. Or could it be that that is her reality? And if not, how can she escape the torment?