Suckerpunch Theatre
Plays that pack a punch.
Welcome
Suckerpunch Theatre has finally launched our first ever tour - from Castlemaine to Prahran, Bendigo and Kyneton, from July 29th to August 20th, 2022.
Gibbo is inspired by an actual event that took place over 30 years ago, and centres on the theme of drug rape, and the implications of this crime, for all now involved, twenty four years later.
Gibbo is a gritty, naturalistic play set in a farmhouse in country Victoria.
Since opening night in Castlemaine, our audience response was overwhelmingly positive, including: “Powerful and poignant”..“Gripping”..”I didn’t want it to end”. .”Amazingly close to the bone”..”Fantastic performances” and “A triumph”.
Emails also came in, thanking us for staging a play about such a tough subject, and talking about the conversations that happened with friends and family as a result.
Now planning to tour GIBBO state wide in 2024. Recommended for school students (15+), to help open up conversations about consent, peer pressure, and the long term repercussions for young people who might contemplate committing this kind of insidious crime.
Click here for the trailer:
Gibbo
Trailer
The Savages of Wirramai
Please watch this 2 minute promo video below for The Savages of Wirramai:
“Sandy Fairthorne continues to impress ****” Artshub.
“Breathtaking”. Stage Whispers
“Powerful Compelling drama”.
Entertainment Geelong
The Savages of Wirramai - Crying Chair Theatre, Sydney
Directed by Kate Bookallil
Cast: Luke Davis, Joanne Booth, Steven Monteith, Christine Greenough, Emma Dalton, Mel Day
The Savages of Wirramai - La Mama, Melbourne
Directed by Kevin Summers
Cast: Liam Gilllespie, Anna den Hartog, Kirsty Snowden, Kirsty Child, David Macrae, Cherie Mills
“The Savages of Wirramai penetrates to a place of real honesty and vulnerability.”
“⭑⭑⭑⭑”
-Raphael Solarsh for ArtsHub
“If you’re wanting to support quality, original Australian theatre (which you should) I can thoroughly recommend La Mama’s The Savages of Wirramai.”
-Kris Weber for Theatre People
“As a piece of intense theatre it was simply outstanding.”
-Colin Mockett for Entertainment Geelong
Playwright, producer and director
Sandy Fairthorne is the founder and director of Suckerpunch Theatre. She has directed, written and produced plays since 2007. Her works are centred around the frailties of the human condition and the joys and challenges of families and relationships.
With Bendigo based co-producer Amanda Cahill, the aim for Suckerpunch Theatre is to get quality theatre out to regional Victorian audiences.
Above: with cast of “The Memory of Water” by Shelagh Stephenson directed by Sandy for Torquay Theatre Troupe.
From left: Kathryn O’Neill, Skye Staude, and Frankie Swinthinbanke
Bec Barnett, touring coordinator
Rebecca Barnett trained in acting at the Centre for the Performing Arts in Adelaide. She has since worked as an actor for various stage, TV and film productions, as well as producing and touring plays throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Some of our plays
Improvisational Workshops are available to people of all ages and levels of skill
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