Tiddas, the current production at Belvoir St Theatre, takes audiences on a rollercoaster of emotions with its heartfelt exploration of friendship, identity, and the complexities of modern life. Written by Anita Heiss, the play unfolds as an intimate exploration of the lives of five women, tightly bound by their shared past and the enduring bonds of sisterhood. Set in Brisbane, the narrative delves into the intertwined destinies of Izzy, Xanthe, Ellen, Nadine, and Veronica, who maintain a monthly ritual of gathering to discuss literature, life, and love. Approaching their 40s, the friends, three of whom are Indigenous, reflect on their journey from high school in Mudgee to the complexities of adulthood.
Under the direction of Nadine McDonald-Dowd and Roxanne McDonald, Tiddas comes to life with an engaging and dynamic energy. The directors skilfully balance the poignant moments of self-discovery with the light-hearted camaraderie between the characters. The pacing is well-managed, allowing the audience to connect with each character’s story while maintaining a sense of overall cohesion. The directors’ keen understanding of the material shines through, resulting in a production that feels both authentic and entertaining.
Zoe Rouse’s set and costume design contribute significantly to the show’s visual appeal. The static set allows versatility that transitions between various locations effortlessly, providing a seamless backdrop for the unfolding drama. Rouse’s costume choices reflect the characters’ personalities and cleverly convey the passage of time. The attention to detail in both set and costume design enhances the overall production values, adding an extra layer of visual richness to the performance.
The cast delivers a commendable ensemble performance, each actor bringing a distinct flair to their character. As Nadine, Louise Brehmer exudes strength and vulnerability, anchoring the group with a compelling presence. Lara Croydon’s portrayal of Izzy is imbued with charm, while Sean Dow showcases remarkable versatility in handling all male roles. Jade Lomas-Ronan embodies the character of Xanthe with sincerity, and Anna McMahon, as Veronica, strikes a balance between humour and depth. Roxanne Mcdonald, as Grandma and Mum, provides calming presence to the show. Perry Mooney, as Ellen, rounds out the cast with a nuanced performance. The chemistry among the actors is palpable, creating a believable portrayal of a group of friends who have weathered the storms of life together. The ensemble cast’s depth of performance and intricate storytelling make Tiddas a compelling and relatable exploration of the complexities of modern womanhood.
Tiddas, an aboriginal word for sisterhood, is an excellent reflection of Australian life, the curve balls of living and the friendships that weather the storm.
– The other Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig is an international performer and has established himself as a trusted theatre specialist on the Sydney Arts Scene. While he understands the technical side of theatre, Dan writes for the everyday theatregoer (unlike some of those more prominent publications). When not in the audience, he loves to travel the world trying new gin. Follow him on all the socials @talldancraig
Tiddas runs for 90 minutes (no interval) and plays at the Belvoir St Theatre through 28 January 2024. Tickets are available through the Belvoir St Theatre Box office.
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were guests of Kabuku Public Relations
Image credit: Stephen Wilson Barker.
