Ensemble Theatre is thrilled to present Irish playwright John Breen’s heart-warming comedy Alone it Stands – a ballsy, true tale of triumph over impossible odds on the field, from Thursday 25 January to Saturday 2 March 2024.
Based on the famous 1978 rugby match in Limerick, Ireland, this David vs. Goliath story follows the all-amateur Munster rugby team as it tackles the mighty New Zealand All Blacks.
Jumping straight from modern Irish folklore to the stage, Breen’s fast-paced piece of theatre will see the cast of six take on 62 roles including players, wives, rabid fans, the coach and a loyal dog.
“A team full of nobodies, some dads, butchers, and farmers, take on the all-time Champions. It’s going to be a raucous fun time where we get to do accents, put on different hats, and play a variety of characters,” said Anthony Taufa – who appears in the production.
Starring alongside Anthony (Griffin Theatre Company’s Jailbaby) are Tristan Black (Flight Path Theatre’s Fuenta Ovejuna), Ray Chong Nee (STC’s The Poison of Polygamy), Briallen Clarke (Griffin Theatre Company’s Pony), Skyler Ellis (Bell Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors) and Alex King (A Broadcast Coup).
“At the end of the day, I think it’s about how we as humans want to make a stamp on our lives and represent the people that we love. I can’t wait for the audience to experience the joy and the investment of being a spectator – it will be a rip-roaring ride, I can assure you.” said Director Janine Watson (A Broadcast Coup).
Filled with as much heart and excitement as a nail-biting rugby match, this hilarious story will have sports and theatre fans cheering for the ultimate underdogs.
John Breen is best known as the writer/director of the hit play Alone It Stands which tells the story of Munster’s victory over the All Blacks in 1978. John was awarded the Irish Times/ ESB Theatre Award in February 2000 for Best Director for his direction of his own play Alone It Stands.
Alone It Stands has been seen all over Ireland, the UK, Australia, United States, France, Malaysia and New Zealand. It is estimated that two hundred and sixty thousand people worldwide have seen the play.
He is the General Manager of Loose Change Productions and Magis Theatre and with Loose Change Productions will present Export Quality, by Dorotea Mendoza, Erica Miguel and Carolyn Antonio at HERE Arts, directed by Sonoko Kawahara and The Mulberry Tree by Hanna Eady and Ed Mast also directed by Alexandra Aron, at La Mama in February 2024.
Director: Janine Watson | Featuring: Tristan Black, Ray Chong Nee, Briallen Clarke, Skyler Ellis, Alex King, Anthony Taufa | Cultural Consultant: Tiana Tiakiwai | Set and Costume Designer: Emma White | Lighting Designer: Matt Cox | Composer and Sound Designer: Jessica Dunn | Dialect Coach: Linda Nicholls-Gidley | Fight Director: Tim Dashwood | Intimacy Coordinator: Chloë Dallimore | Stage Manager: Lauren Tulloh | Costume Supervisor: Renata Beslik
Alone It Stands
Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli (North Sydney)
Season: 25 January – 2 March 2024
Information and Bookings: www.ensemble.com.au
Image: The cast of Alone It Stands – courtesy of Ensemble Theatre