The Diary of Anne Frank is the story of the Frank family, a Jewish family hiding from the Nazis, told by their youngest, teenage daughter Anne. From first going into hiding with another family, we watch Anne’s family navigate their new reality.
As the months and years pass, Anne chronicles the various challenges they face, her own fears and curiosities, along with small moments of celebration while outside the danger only builds.
With long passages of strongly spoken dialogue, singing, shouting, stomping around, you may be forgiven for thinking there’s little tension in the play. But the tension doesn’t come from whether the characters keep quiet enough to not be discovered, but instead from whether their survival will come at the cost of their humanity.
The space at the Athenaeum Theatre is taken up by an excellent, layered set, superbly lit by Jason Bovaird as we shift from stylised moments to natural scenes.
Jamie Jewell gave a lovely performance as the dentist, Mr Dussel – forced to shelter with the two families and stretching their already stretched resources. Mr Dussel is irritable from the outset, but Jamie never made his character feel one-note, slowly revealing a man who isn’t so much annoyed at Anne and the others as he is terrified at his situation.
While Mr Dussel’s fear make him crabby, Mr Van Daan’s desperation drives him to selfishness and narcissism. It’s an engrossing turn as Mr Van Daan by Matt Dyktynski, partly from the character’s increasing self-interest, but also in the way Mr Van Daan treats and is treated by his wife.
Asha Cornelia Cluer is terrific as Mrs Van Daan, desperate to maintain a veneer of pride and status, while slipping into moments of hysteria, or apologising for her uncaring husband.
Holly Easterbrook and Phil Bedworth are fantastic in the roles of Edith and and Otto Frank. Supportive and protective, they do the best they can to ensure they survive their perilous state without losing their compassion. A latter scene where the Franks are in conflict and their empathy is tested is visceral and compelling and the highlight of the play.
Chloe-Jean Vincent gave an effective and engaging performance as Anne. Anne may be only a child, but – with her diary to reflect in – is resilient.
Only a couple of years pass while she’s in hiding, but it’s long enough for Anne to enter adolescence and the subtle vocal changes made by Chloe after intermission were beautifully conveyed.
Director Drew Anthony and his cast tell an entertaining, tragic story of keeping a light bravely burning in the face of oncoming darkness.
The Diary of Anne Frank
Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins Street, Melbourne
Performance: Thursday 5 March 2026
Season continues to 21 March 2026
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
State Theatre, 49 Market Street, Sydney
Season: 25 March – 2 April 2026
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
For more information, visit: www.drewanthonycreative.com.au for details.
Images: The Diary of Anne Frank – photos by Amanda Humphreys