A STELLAR cast of 15 women will take to the stage for Dinkum Assorted, this year’s Australia Day play at the Redlands Coast Museum, delivering a story that blends war, comedy and community — with biscuits at its heart.
Directed by Jan Nary, the play explores relationships and offers a snapshot of women’s lives during wartime, shining a light on stories that were often overlooked.
“It reflects the reality of the time. A lot of women’s history was shot under the radar,” Ms Nary said.
“This play celebrates the role. And what better way to celebrate than with the language of the people — with theatre.”
Written by Australian playwright Linda Aronson, Dinkum Assorted is set in a biscuit factory facing closure in the fictional town of Warrabadanga, which is temporarily home to 2000 American airmen.
Like the biscuits they produce, the women are an assorted group, bringing humour, emotion, friendship and a strong sense of justice into the story.
Ms Nary said the production offered rich opportunities to explore both nurturing and strained relationships, creating constant tension and plenty for audiences to reflect on.
“It is interesting to work just with women. There is an energy there,” she said.
“But we also have some marvellous blokes working with us, doing the staging and the lights.
“Theatre Redlands is a team effort, and we all throw ourselves into the narrative and pull in the same direction.”
The cast features Dorothy Byrnes as Edie, Helen Rowe as Doris, Tracey Mann as Ethel, Libby Harrison as Grace, Kathy Manning as Little Beat, Karen Neale as Pearl, Heather Sinclair as Big Beat, Jean Spencer as Florrie, Linda Stevenson as Connie, Elaine Tilson as Glad, Erin Tilson as Vi, Vanessa Wells as Joan and Helen Walker as Millie.
The season runs from January 23 to February 1, with two matinees and four evening performances.
The 2pm matinee includes a Devonshire afternoon tea served from 1.15pm, while evening shows feature a two-course dinner from 6pm ahead of the 7pm performance.
Tickets are available from $36 via Humanitix, with prices varying depending on museum membership.
The Australia Day play has been a long-standing tradition at the museum since Reedy River was first staged there in 2008, with planning for future productions already underway.
