Coming in February 2026

The Great Divide

BY DAVID WILLIAMSON
DIRECTED BY DAMIAN JONES

Golden sands, turquoise waters and a lush green golf course — Penny Poulter leads an almost idyllic life in one of Australia’s best kept secrets, Wallis Heads. But when this hidden coastal gem is discovered by the ruthless and immensely wealthy Alex Whittle, ambitious plans to put the town firmly on the tourist map spark a bitter rivalry. Can this human bulldozer with money to burn ever be stopped?

“THE GREAT DIVIDE is a brilliantly written, fabulously portrayed and an exceptional piece of Australian theatre….. fantastically entertaining, emotional and truly hilarious!” – Theatre Thoughts.

Audience Advice – Parental guidance recommended for persons under 15 years

WHEN:

26 February – 7 March

Cast

Damian Jones

Director

Damian makes a directorial return to Mordialloc Theatre Company following his successful 2024 production, HEARTH. An actor with decades of experience, his favourite roles include the 2024 critically acclaimed lead performance in THE FATHER and Leo Bailey in MR BAILEY’S MINDER with Williamstown Little Theatre, Max in LAST CAB TO DARWIN with Sherbrooke Theatre Company and George in LIFE AFTER GEORGE with Peridot Theatre. In recent times Damian has turned his focus more on direction, with productions of PROOF (2025), BRILLIANT LIES both with Peridot Theatre, ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR with Malvern Theatre Company, AFTER DINNER with Sherbrook Theatre, WHEN DAD MARRIED FURY with Encore Theatre as well as a number of one act plays.

Greg Barison

Alan

Greg is so happy to be back and performing on the stage here at Mordialloc – a stage on which he has performed some of his most memorable roles, namely Ben in THE SUNSHINE BOYS and Michael in SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS. Greg has also been fortunate to have performed on stage at Brighton, Encore and Peridot Theatres and Malvern Theatre Company, so there is a chance you may have also seen him there. He really hopes you enjoy THE GREAT DIVIDE, a topic that is always inevitably in the news.

Alison Campbell-Rate

Grace

Alison has enjoyed a variety of roles over the years, ranging from the drunk and disorderly to the obsessively neat. Favourites for Malvern Theatre Company include Barbara Jackson in PACK OF LIES for which she won the in-house Best Actress Award, Sarah Gardiner in MR BENNET’S BRIDE for which she won the in-house Best Supporting Actress award while for Brighton Theatre Company she has fond memories of Florence Unger in THE ODD COUPLE (female version), Julia Zeinfeld in FORGET-ME-KNOT and Ruth Condomine in BLITHE SPIRIT. Alison is a published playwright with works produced in Melbourne, Ballarat, Gippsland and Queensland, including THE PEPPERCORN TREE, HATS OFF!, COUNTING SPARROWS and most recently – KNIFE EDGE – produced in 2025 by Beaumaris Theatre. This is Alison’s Mordialloc Theatre Company debut.

Katherine Crouch

Penny

Katherine graduated from the New York Film Academy in 2009. She has appeared in RESTAURANT REVELATIONS at the Hollywood Fight Club Theatre, FOOL FOR LOVE at The Victory Theatre in Los Angeles, and HURLY-BURLY at the Lillian Theatre, also in LA. During her time living in Los Angeles, she also performed in several short films. In Australia, Katherine appeared in WHO WEARS THE PANTS at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Katherine has long admired the high standard of productions at Mordialloc Theatre Company and has been keeping an eye out for a role that fit her casting type. She is thrilled to be part of this brilliant Australian play and is grateful for the opportunity to bring this character to life

Kate Lawson

Alex

Kate Lawson is a versatile performer with extensive experience in theatre and live entertainment. Beyond the stage, she has worked as a professional fire dancer and entertained audiences at Disney World, Sea World, and Movie World in Queensland. Kate was busy in 2025, performing as Edith Frank in THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK with Eltham Little Theatre, Claire in PROOF with Peridot Theatre, Marilyn in THE REVLON GIRL with Encore Theatre, Medusa in GODDESSES UNLEASHED with The Butterfly Club and her award-winning turn as Lucy in CHASING THE PINK LADY in the Dandenong Ranges One-Act Play Festival. We welcome Kate for her first show with Mordialloc Theatre Company and she is excited to shine a light on the true victims in this story: misunderstood billionaires bent on destroying the environment and increasing wealth inequality.

Mick Miksad

Brian/Joel

Mick’s passion for acting began early in life, being part of a church drama group. During lockdown, Mick realized that life is too short, and more time should be committed to the things you’re truly passionate about. Mick’s most recent performances were in Mordialloc Theatre Company’s productions of DAISY PULLS IT OFF! as Mr. Scoblowski in November 2022 and FOUR FLAT WHITES IN ITALY as Harry in November 2023. In 2024 Mick played Mr Gilmer in Peridot Theatre’s production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.

Milla Pearl Sievers

Rachel

A newcomer to Mordialloc Theatre Company, Milla has worked across theatre, short films, features and music videos since 2019. In 2024, she played Mayella in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD with Peridot and Encore Theatre Companies, winning the Victorian Drama League Award for Best Supporting Actress. She recently completed a short course at 16th Street and in 2025 performed as Ciara in BREAK A LEG and Cecily in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST. Milla is excited to play Rachel in THE GREAT DIVIDE.