After Dinner at the Sydney Theatre Company

Posted by Sas Lyon

“You see there’s all sorts of things you can do when you’re single.”

Paula

Sydney Theatre Company presents AFTER DINNER By Andrew Bovell

They just want to dance with somebody.

After Dinner is a poignant and hilarious collision of lonely hearts, sex, friendship and Friday night drinks.

A suburban pub, circa 1987. Paula, Monika and Dympie are going to paint the town red… or maybe just a deep shade of embarrassment.

Paula’s frocked up, it’s Monika’s first night out in years and Dympie just wants a table with a good view of the band. Semi-eligible blokes Gordon and Stephen are shaking off the office and revealing their own peccadillos while they’re at it. Between the Chardonnay, the oysters and the odd Valium things are bound to loosen up!

Playwright Andrew Bovell (The Secret River, Lantana) is one of Australia’s finest writers. In After Dinner, his first play from 1988, he exhibits the sure hand of a gifted wordsmith. His beautifully observed characters and wincingly funny one-liners reveal the timeless trials of friendship and singledom, as well as being a delicious reminder of the less than timeless trials of perms and skinny ties that were the 1980s.

Featuring the comedic talents of Helen Thomson (Mrs Warren’s Profession), Josh McConville (Noises Off), Anita Hegh (The Secret River), Glenn Hazeldine (Perplex) and Rebecca Massey (Vere (Faith)).

In this comedic gem, some will relive memories. Many will be reminded of friends and lovers. You’ll all know the music… And a few might even recognise a little bit of you.

Duration: approx 1 hour 45 minutes (including interval)
Warning: sexual themes

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