Madelaine Nunn’s Shoelace Chaser is a thoughtful and well-crafted new Australian work examining responsibility, ambition and the pressures facing young carers.
Directed by Liv Satchell with a clear sense of restraint and pace, the production centres on 17-year-old Thea, played with confidence and composure by Leigh Lule. Balancing school, athletics and caring for her mother Fiona, Thea is determined to maintain control of every aspect of her life, even as opportunities begin to challenge the boundaries she has built around herself.
Lule delivers a grounded and believable performance, capturing both Thea’s independence and underlying uncertainty without overstating either. Opposite her, Elliot Wood brings an easy charm to Syd, Thea’s enthusiastic running partner whose encouragement pushes her to consider a future beyond her current responsibilities. Their dynamic provides much of the production’s lighter energy and keeps the dialogue moving naturally.
Zoe Boesen gives a measured performance as Fiona, avoiding melodrama and instead presenting a nuanced portrait of a mother aware of the strain her daughter carries. The relationship between Fiona and Thea is handled with care by both performers and forms the dramatic core of the work.
Nunn’s script is strongest in its smaller moments, particularly the understated conversations that reveal the complexity of Thea’s situation. Rather than leaning heavily into sentiment, the writing allows the practical realities of caregiving and adolescence to emerge gradually through the character’s interactions.
The production is supported by an effective creative team. Bianca Pardo’s set and costume design makes good use of the intimate Lawler space, while Thomas Roach’s lighting design subtly shifts tone and focus throughout. Tom Backhaus’ composition and sound design add texture without overwhelming the performances.
Satchell’s direction keeps the work tightly focused, allowing the cast room to develop the relationships at the centre of the play. The result is a polished and engaging production that highlights another strong contemporary Australian voice in Madelaine Nunn.
Shoelace Chaser
Southbank Theatre, The Lawler, Southbank Boulevard, Southbank
Performance: Wednesday 13 May 2026
Season continues to 27 May 2026
Information and Bookings: www.mtc.com.au
Following the Melbourne season, Shoelace Chaser will be presented at The Capital, Bendigo (29 May), The Cube, Wodonga (2 June), The Round, Nunawading (5 June), Portland Arts Centre (10 June) and Bellarine Arts Centre, Drysdale (12 June).
Images: Leigh Lule and Elliot Wood in Shoelace Chaser – photo by Jacinta Keefe | Zoe Boesen and Leigh Lule in Shoelace Chaser – photo by Jacinta Keefe
Review: Rohan Shearn