Ensemble Theatre is thrilled to present the world premiere of Australian playwright Melanie Tait’s ludicrously funny new comedy, How to Plot a Hit in Two Days, a bold reimagining of an iconic moment from the 1980s Australian soap opera A Country Practice, from 29 August to 11 October 2025.
Starring Australian screen and stage legend Georgie Parker (The Great Divide, Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica, Murder on the Wireless), How to Plot a Hit in Two Days explores what it was like for the writers of the much-loved Australian TV show to pen one of the most heartbreaking episodes in Australian TV history – when Molly Jones takes her final breath.
It’s 1985. TV prime time. Across Australia, millions of tear-stricken eyes are glued to their television sets in disbelief. A Country Practice’s beloved Molly Jones takes her final breath. Fade to black and she’s gone.
Inside the story room, in a creative flurry powered by coffee, cigarettes and Fantales, the eccentric squad of TV writers have nailed it – they’ve written the perfect death for Australia’s darling. Hearts around the country are broken and forty years later, the pain is only just subsiding.
“I hope people will have a chance to see into the beautiful world of television writers – to think about the amazing people who create the characters who come into our living room each night and give us so much joy!” said Director Lee Lewis.
“I’ve had a lifelong love affair with A Country Practice – firstly, as a fan, and then, as a writer. One of the first things I ever wrote was a script for A Country Practice as a nine-year-old. As an adult I’ve come to see what a special place it holds in Australian creative history,” said Playwright Melanie Tait (The Queen’s Nanny, A Broadcast Coup, The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race).
“I hope this play takes people back to how the show made them feel, and for those who didn’t watch it, I hope it inspires a whole new generation to seek it out and enjoy what I think is Australia’s Golden Age of Television”.
How to Plot a Hit in Two Days features a stellar cast of five alongside Georgie Parker including, Amy Ingram (Queensland Theatre’s POTUS, ABC’s In Our Blood), Genevieve Lemon (John Frost for Crossroads Live’s Sister Act The Musical, Netflix’s The Power of the Dog), Seán O’Shea (Nearer The Gods, Belvoir’s Tell Me I’m Here), and Julia Robertson (Belvoir 25A’s POV (with re:group), STC’s The Real Thing).
Whether you’re a diehard fan of this iconic TV series or simply a lover of a cracking Australian story, prepare to roll in the aisles with laughter at this unforgettable new work.
Director: Lee Lewis | Featuring: Amy Ingram, Genevieve Lemon, Seán O’Shea, Georgie Parker, Julia Robertson | Set and Costume Design: Simone Romaniuk | Lighting Designer: Brockman | Composer & Sound Designer: Paul Charlier | Assistant Director: Tiffany Wong | Stage Manager: Jen Jackson | Assistant Stage Manager: Sherydan Simson | Costume Supervisor: Renata Beslik
How to Plot a Hit in Two Days
Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli
Season: 29 August – 11 October 2025
Information and Bookings: www.ensemble.com.au
Image: Georgie Parker stars in How to Plot a Hit in Two Days (supplied)