The Girl’s Guide to Saving the World is a wonderfully witty and fast paced comedy with a whole lot of heart and extremely pointed social commentary.
Jane and Bella are childhood friends, forged in a fire that fuels both of their desires to leave the world better than they see it. For better or worse they are each other’s confident, punching bag, truth teller, cheerleader and lifeline. Against all odds they will always stand by each other, that is, until they don’t.
Elinor Cook’s script is whip smart, a cracking avalanche of dialogue that perfectly captures each character and moment as they unfold on stage. With the feel of a 90s sitcom, Cook cleverly weaves societal issues with off the wall comedy and finds the perfect balance for this text. It may sometimes be overwrought but the intent of the work focused into the end.
Roisin Wallace-Nash expertly understands the world that they are bringing to life on the stage – exquisite moments of light and shade keep the work well paced, impactful and utterly captivating. A broader dramaturgical eye could have helped to keep the characters from, at times, sounding like they are performing in a play rather than living the script, but otherwise Wallace-Nash is certainly the natural choice to helm this work.
Mia Fitzgerald and Bridget Bourke are an absolute powerhouse duo to lead this work. Bouncing off each other like true lifelong friends, they constantly challenge and one up each other in the most respectful and delightful way, never letting the other falter and working hard to get the best performance from each other.
Alex Kirwan, Riley Warner and Dinasha Perera bring to life an array of characters that each have a very poignant moment that shatters the world and shifts the narrative. Each performer is truly invested in this world and the story, an incomparable symbiotic ensemble that almost never fails to deliver.
Riley Warner’s simple but elegant set design gives each scene a time and a place, ensuring that the audience attention stays fixed to the moment and held by the grasp of the story. Topaz Marlay-Cole’s lighting is a perfect compliment and quite literally shines time and time again.
This work is a great addition to the Old Fitz’s Late Night program, showcasing a script with great potential and performers with an exciting future.
The Girl’s Guide to Saving the World
The Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo
Season continues to 6 February 2026
Information and Bookings: www.oldfitztheatre.com.au
Image: The Girl’s Guide to Saving the World – photo by Robert Miniter
Review: Gavin Roach