Our Next Show
The Other Place
BY SHARR WHITE
DIRECTED BY BARRY O’NEILL
Brilliant neurologist, Juliana Smithton, is delivering a lecture promoting a blockbuster drug she has researched and developed, when she glimpses an unexpected guest in the audience who becomes a nervous distraction. Humour is her defensive mechanism as she faces a potential health crisis at a time when she suspects her husband, Ian, is having an affair. Juliana reaches out to her estranged daughter, Laurel, but Ian’s wariness and scepticism clashes with Juliana’s desperate need for reconciliation. As her marriage heads to crisis point, Juliana is drawn to revisit “the other place”, a house full of memories which reveal intriguing insights that help her to come to terms with her present challenges.
This beautiful play mixes pathos and humour as it invites us to unravel a mystery of blurred truths and memories, in an intriguing fast-paced drama.
Audience Advice – Recommended for mature audiences 15 years & over
Content Warning: This play contains coarse language, sexual references and references to mental health conditions, which some patrons may find distressing. Patron discretion is advised.
WHEN:
7 – 16 May
Cast
Barry O'Neill
Director
BARRY O’NEILL directs The Other Place, by Sharr White. Barry has been involved with local theatre for over 40 years. Most of this has been spent strutting the stage playing such characters as Randle P. McMurphy with The Basin Theatre in 1985, Antony in ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA with Mitcham Rep in 2002, Frank in EDUCATING RITA with Peridot Theatre in 2005, Robert in PROOF with 1812 Theatre in 2004, Willy Loman in DEATH OF A SALESMAN with Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company in 2011 and more recently as The Judge in WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION with Malvern Theatre Company in 2022. Along the way he has turned his attention to directing with such plays as THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE in 2007, MARY STUART in 2010 and NIGHT MOTHER in 2018 at The Basin Theatre and in 2024 he directed THE GLASS MENAGERIE with Malvern Theatre Company. This is Barry’s first gig with Mordialloc Theatre Company, and he is very pleased to be directing THE OTHER PLACE in this amazing venue.
Kate Bowers
Juliana
Kate Bowers is Juliana in The Other Place, by Sharr White. Kate is delighted to return to Mordialloc Theatre Company having last performed here some years ago as Becca in RABBIT HOLE in 2009. Some of her favourite roles include Belinda/Flavia in NOISES OFF, Maggie in LOVESONG, Amanda in THE GLASS MENAGERIE, Sylvia in SYLVIA, Inspector Fix in AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, Catherine in PROOF and Pamela/Annabella/Margaret in THE 39 STEPS. Kate has been acknowledged for her acting work with many companies with awards including Victorian Drama League and Lyrebird. She is excited to undertake the role of Juliana in this beautifully written play.
Stephen Shinkfield
Ian
Stephen Shinkfield is Ian in The Other Place, by Sharr White. Stephen is making his return to the Mordialloc stage having last been seen in BUYING THE MOOSE back in 2018 – proof that absence really does make the heart grow fonder… or at least more nervous. A familiar face on the Melbourne theatre scene, Stephen has collected many credits along the way in roles which include GOD OF CARNAGE, 33 VARIATIONS, SABRINA FAIR, OUTSIDE MULLINGAR, MOONLIGHT & MAGNOLIAS, BASKERVILLE, NOISES OFF, THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION, A FEW GOOD MEN, HUMBLE BOY, ARCADIA and PROOF among many. When not on stage, Stephen can often be found behind the scenes as an assistant director, sound designer or set builder. He has also popped up in One Act Play festivals, the Melbourne Fringe Festival and the Comedy Festival. Now, he returns to the spotlight ready to once again pretend to be someone else in front of a room full of strangers.
Nicholas Bowers
The Man
NICK BOWERS is The Man in The Other Place, by Sharr White. After a few years absence from theatre, Nick is excited to make his return debut on the Mordialloc stage. He has previously played Richard Hannay in THE 39 STEPS, Smee in PETER PAN THE MUSICAL ADVENTURE and Antonio in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. COVID thwarted a return to theatre having being cast as Micke in 1812 Theatre’s cancelled production of LET THE RIGHT ONE IN. Since then, sporting and work pursuits have intervened to prevent his theatrical endeavours .… until now. Nick enjoys working in both comedy and drama and is enjoying the challenge of creating distinctively different characters in this performance.
Jessica Symonds
The Woman
JESSICA SYMONDS is The Woman in The Other Place, by Sharr White. Jessica is very excited to be performing in her first production with Mordialloc Theatre Company, particularly in such a moving and complex play. Since moving to Melbourne a decade ago, she has performed in several Bottled Snail productions (a theatre company for members of the legal profession) including INTO THE WOODS in 2018, THE LARAMIE PROJECT in 2019 and CONSENT in 2024 as well as in Brighton Theatre Company’s productions of HERE I BELONG in 2023 and the Victorian Drama League award-winning THE REVLON GIRL also in 2023. Most recently, she performed in THE HUMANS with Malvern Theatre Company. Jessica is thoroughly enjoying the challenge of playing ‘The Woman’ and hopes you enjoy the show just as much.
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