Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (reviewed Friday 16 May 2025).
Bitchen Wolf Productions presents the Australian premiere of Heaven written by Eugene O’Brien, starring Lucy Miller and Noel Hodda and directed by Kate Gaul.
There is formidable and respected talent at the helm of this coming-of-age-story for middle-aged couples.
Lucy Miller throws her iconic Elizabeth Taylor-esque weighting in the role of Mairead, a woman in her 50s who is thirsty for a sexual re-awakening with her former lover.
Noel Hodda plays the role of her husband, Mal, who masks his own guilt and shame about his homo-erotic sexual fantasies.
They are still married and going to a wedding together where they each experience their own fantasies and indulgences as the night wears on and booze and drugs loosens their inhibitions. But will the mendacity of their actions come to light?
The performances are outstanding, delivering the script as intended in alternating monologue. It’s a safe and tidy choice for a stage that is sparse and relies heavily on the script to paint the picture of what’s going on and what’s at stake.
Staging wise, it feels the movement and choreography is a little restricted. Lucy Miller paces back and forth, hands on hips, as though her feet are in pain from wearing heels. There isn’t a lot of room to ‘affect’ her scene partner, as he either has his back to her or is off stage when it’s her turn to speak. This staging choice leads to a pedestrian, predictable rhythm that sags the storyline with exposition.
The audience appreciated the performances and whilst the sacrilegious content will not be for everyone, the overall production has artistic merit.
Heaven is playing at The Loading Dock Theatre at Qtopia Sydney till 31 May. For tickets and showtimes, go to https://events.humanitix.com/heaven-at-the-loading-dock