Alastair Brown’s Next To Godliness, currently playing at the New Theatre, is a captivating dark comedy that weaves a wicked tale of lies, murder and mystery.
For Erin and Sophia it’s just another day at work – cleaning up the blood and dismembering the bodies of crimes unknown. No questions get asked, no details of the crime given and no there is definitely no time for curiosity.
But when the lines between innocent bystander and accessory to murder become blurred, their personal ethics will forever be tested.
Alastair Brown has written an exquisitely detailed and deliciously sinister work – effortlessly bouncing between the hilarious and the macabre, his writing never flatlines nor looses its tongue in cheek pace and wit.
Brown’s ability to construct thought provoking dialogue and evocative imagery is nothing short of masterful – displaying an intimidating talent that is deserving of more attention.
Madeleine Withington directs with script to perfection – understanding the ebb and flow of the work and adding beautiful motifs to underline the script’s unsettling comedy.
Withington completely trusts their directorial eye, revolving the production with the audience in mind, constantly innovating the staging, brilliantly unfolding the text akin to a grounded epic.
Sonya Kerr, Alice Livingstone, Alisha O’Brien, Nathan Farrow, Brendan Kater, Jessica Carter, Sophie Newby, and Harrison Collis-Oates are a powerhouse ensemble, with each performer bringing a committed and tantalizing performance to each and every scene.
Standouts Kerr and Livingston once again remind audiences of their immense stage presence and ability to deliver every line, every gesture with razor sharp precision. Brown’s writing is a pristine playground for actors – flawless word play that allows the performers the freedom to lean in and enjoy breathing life into each character.
Tom Bannerman’s set design perfectly complements Julian Dunne’s lighting – working together in symbiosis, designing a world that is both grounded and fanciful, familiar but deeply unsettling.
Already the recipient of the Silver Gull Award, Next To Godliness is the New Theatre at its best – risky, innovative, witty and an undeniable crowd pleaser. With a work of this calibre, there is considerable potential for a life beyond its current season. It would be a shame if this darkly comic production did not receive further outings.
Next to Godliness
New Theatre, 542 King Street, Newtown
Season continues to 31 October 2026
Information and Bookings: www.newtheatre.org.au
Image: The Cast of Next to Godliness – photo by Bob Seary
Review: Gavin Roach