Every so often, regular theatregoers encounter a production that exceeds expectations, whether through its design, performances, or content. Middle Raged is one of those shows.
Promoted as the ultimate girl’s night out, with ‘rage’ the dominant word in the title, the expectation was that the show would be a rant about middle age and women’s issues, and that men should come at their own risk.
However, the reality is that Middle Raged is a very funny, superbly written, mounted and performed celebration of middle age. It proves as relevant to the few brave men in the audience as it is to the women.
Thankfully, the show avoids man-shaming, even in sketches that address issues such as memory loss and erectile dysfunction.
Inspired by conversations with hundreds of middle-aged women, Queenie van de Zandt and Tiffany Noack’s script is smart, incisive, and packed with pithy laugh lines, all delivered with precision by a first-rate cast.
Performed in intimate revue mode and directed with Priscilla Jackman’s usual panache, Middle Raged seamlessly interweaves scripted sketches with well-chosen contemporary and original songs.
Each cast member assumes a distinct persona: Valerie Bader as Judy, Carita Farrer Spencer as Stephanie, Zuleika Khan as Karen, and Queenie van de Zandt as Queenie. Together, they represent women at various stages of menopause.
The exception is a recurring gag in which Bader becomes Brian and Khan becomes Mark, two hard-bitten sports broadcasters calling The Menopause Marathon.
Not unexpectedly, menopause is a recurring theme. One standout sequence has Bader deliver A Brief History of Menopause as a PowerPoint presentation, wittily illustrated with whimsical images projected onto Isabel Hudson’s elegant pink setting.
Hudson adds a clever visual touch by costuming the three members of the classy on-stage combo, Robyn Womersley on keyboards, Sandy Klose on bass and Jillian O’Dowd on drums in elegant dusty pink suits that match the setting.
A constant presence throughout, the trio provides delightful backing vocals and excellent accompaniments, beginning with a tuneful welcome as the audience enters the auditorium, including a boppy arrangement of Sia’s Chandelier.
Although essentially an ensemble show, each performer has a moment to display her considerable vocal chops. Zuleika Khan does so with a powerful rendition of Missy Higgins’ The Second Act. Carita Farrer Spencer shines in her virtuoso performance of The To-Do List, written by Gillian Cosgriff with Noack and van de Zandt. Van de Zandt brings unmatched interpretive skill to Tim Minchin’s poignant Carry You, for which he wrote new lyrics.
The highlight for this reviewer is Herstory, a send-up of the musical SIX, written by Laura Murphy with van de Zandt and Noack. With the aid of Isabel Hudson’s ingenious headdresses, the cast becomes Lady Macbeth, Mona Lisa, Madam Butterfly and Jane Austen, each reflecting on the condition of ageing.
If you are looking for a refreshing theatrical experience designed to delight, challenge, surprise and embrace; even offer new ways of thinking about age-old conditions. Watch out for Middle Raged when it comes your way.
Middle Raged – A Musical Meltdown
Playhouse – Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, Canberra
Performance: Friday 10 July 2026
Season: 8 – 12 July 2026
Middle Raged – A Musical Meltdown will be presented at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre (15 July) and The Art House Theatre, Wyong (19 July). For more information, visit: www.middleragedonstage.com.au for details.
Images: Queenie van de Zandt, Valerie Bader, Zuleika Khan and Carita Farrer Spencer in Middle Raged – A Musical Meltdown – photo by Philip Erbacher | Carita Farrer Spencer, Zukeika Khan, Valerie Bader and Queenie van de Zandt in Middle Raged – A Musical Meltdown – photo by Philip Erbacher | Queenie van de Zandt and Carita Farrer Spencer in Middle Raged – A Musical Meltdown – photo by Philip Erbacher
Review: Bill Stephens OAM