Modern storytelling at its best, Lab Kelpie presents the world premiere of Katy Warner’s comedy-drama looking at a gloriously dysfunctional Australian family in Spencer at Chapel Off Chapel for a limited season from 11 May 2017.
Spencer tells the story of a tight-knit family led by single-mum matriarch Marilyn (Jane Clifton) and her three adult children – wayward daughter Jules (Fiona Harris), mouthy coulda-been Ben (Lyall Brooks) and AFL player and golden-boy Scott (Jamieson Caldwell).
About to meet the young son, Spencer, he never knew he had, Scott and the family have returned home to help mark the occasion. With the surprise appearance of the father they barely remember (Roger Oakley), the entire family is forced to work together to clean up both the house and their own fractured relationships as the clock ticks down to Spencer’s arrival.
Employing classic Australian vernacular and the penchant for humour to explore issues of self-acceptance, identity and depression, Spencer asks us to consider how much our family defines who we are, and whether we ever really grow up…
Shortlisted for the 2015 Playwriting Australia New Play Development Program and a finalist in the 2014 Max Afford Playwright’s Award, Spencer is the latest collaboration between Lab Kelpie and Katy Warner following the success of their 2016 smash-hit A Prudent Man (2016 Green Room Nomination for Best New Writing, Winner of the People’s Choice Award at the 2016 Melbourne Fringe Festival and Official Selection at the 2017 New York United Solo Festival).
Director: Sharon Davis Featuring: Lyall Brooks, Jamieson Caldwell, Jane Clifton, Fiona Harris, Roger Oakley Designers: Rob Sowinski & Bryn Cullen
Spencer
Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran
Season: 12 – 28 May 2017 (preview: 11 May)
Bookings: www.chapeloffchapel.com.au
For more information, visit: www.labkelpie.com for details.
Image: Lab Kelpie presents Spencer – photo by Pier Carthew