A trio of cracking comedic plays about adventure, obsession and hope from award-winning playwright Hilary Bell, Ensemble Theatre is currently presenting the world premiere season of Summer of Harold, until 14 October 2023.
Comprising of two monologues and one two-hander, this powerful new work explores the transformative power of everyday objects.
Summer of Harold. Memories of 1984. London. Phil Collins on MTV. Cassette tapes. Janet and her backpacking mate Alison take a summer job as inexperienced housekeepers with the 20th century’s foremost British playwright, Harold Pinter. Will the summer of ‘84 be a triumph or end in disaster within the fastidious atmosphere of the Pinter household?
In Enfant Terrible, Gareth, obsessed with his rival ceramicist, reflects on an evening of bitterness, triumph and discovery. A brash decision forces him to question whether or not he’s badly misjudged the night…
As the enchanting Blue Mountains expand before Jonathan and Rae, they take a last moment to connect before making some life-changing decisions. Is it time to let go or is there more to their view in Lookout?
“Ultimately, the play is about the value of storytelling,” says playwright Hilary Bell. “Different physical objects serve as a portal into the lives of these characters. So, each of the plays is like a door in a fun house into very different worlds.”
“The first one is very warm, very playful. In the second play it takes a very different turn so while it’s still a comedy, it’s much darker and uglier. In the third play, we go to a very different place emotionally, psychologically, and even theatrically.”
Directed by Francesca Savige (Killing Katie: Confessions of a Book Club), and brought to life by two talented actors, Berynn Schwerdt (TV’s Ten Pound Poms, Opera Australia’s West Side Story) and Hannah Waterman (TV’s Eastenders, Disney Theatrical Production’s Mary Poppins), Summer of Harold will take you on a hilarious, poignant and magical journey.
Director: Francesca Savige | Featuring: Berynn Schwerdt, Hannah Waterman | Dramaturg: Jane FitzGerald | Set & Costume Designer: Jeremy Allen | Lighting Designer: Matt Cox | Composer & Sound Designer: Mary Rapp | Dialect Coach: Linda Nicholls-Gidley | Stage Manager: Erin Shaw | Assistant Stage Manager: Mia Kanzaki | Costume Supervisor: Renata Beslik
Summer of Harold
Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli (North Sydne)
Season continues to 14 October 2023
Information and Bookings: www.ensemble.com.au
Image: Berynn Schwerdt and Hannah Waterman in Summer of Harold – photo by Jaimi Joy