Deep amongst the monstrous flytraps and ferns in Sebastian’s garden, tendrils of a sordid family secret are beginning to unfurl. Vibrant, funny, beautiful, Tennessee Williams takes us into the poetic world of redemption and love, shadowed by the dark secrets a family can hold.

Overview

Deep amongst the monstrous flytraps and ferns in Sebastian’s garden, tendrils of a sordid family secret are beginning to unfurl.

Sebastian Venable died mysteriously last summer and his mother Violet will do anything in her power to protect his memory – and her own reputation. Young cousin Catharine was the only witness to this nightmarish event. She is desperate to reveal what really happened, but Violet will go to any lengths to stop the ugly truth from seeing the light of day.

Tennessee Williams’ gothic masterpiece, led by Shaun Rennie, who also directed Ensemble’s 2019 BABY DOLL, is as relevant today as it was when written over 60-years ago.

Vibrant, funny, beautiful, Tennessee Williams takes us into the poetic world of redemption and love, shadowed by the dark secrets a family can hold.

Ticket Prices

For group bookings of 10+, please call Box office on (02 8918 3400) or email boxoffice@ensemble.com.au

Prices correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice.

2024 SINGLE TICKETSPREVIEWSIN SEASON
FULL PRICE$83$88
SENIOR CARD$80$85
PENSIONER$76$81
GROUP 10 - 19$76$81
GROUP 20+$71$76
30 OR UNDER$40$43
FULL-TIME STUDENT$40$43
MEAA/AWG$40$43
SCHOOL GROUPS$25$25
Reviews

★★★★ “It’s a play that drips life” Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★ “sharp and poetic” Theatre Thoughts

★★★★ "Compact, precise and haunting” Cultural Binge

“Williams’s tale is entrancingly told here in a sparely elegant and well-acted production” Limelight

“dramatic tension through the piece proves deliciously satisfying.” Suzy Goes See

“one not to be missed” Sydney Arts Guide

"packed full of scandal and melodrama” Stage Whispers

“Captivatingly simple expression of SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER” Broadway World

“builds to a thrilling climax.” Megaphone Oz

"fascinating to watch.” Theatre Travels

“Precisely directed, tightly acted, creatively staged and tautly timed” Carol Wimmer

Cast & Creatives
Tennessee Williams

Tennessee Williams

Playwright
Shaun Rennie

Shaun Rennie

Director
Emma Canalese

Emma Canalese

Assistant Director

Assistant Director

Valerie Bader

Valerie Bader

as Mrs Holly
Andrea Demetriades

Andrea Demetriades

as Catharine

Actor

Belinda Giblin

Belinda Giblin

as Mrs Venable

Actor

Remy Hii

Remy Hii

as Doctor
Socratis Otto

Socratis Otto

as George
Kate Skinner

Kate Skinner

as Miss Foxhill / Sister Felicity

Actor

Jamie Oxenbould

Jamie Oxenbould

Understudy
Grace Smibert

Grace Smibert

Understudy

Actor

Simone Romaniuk

Simone Romaniuk

Set & Costume Designer

Simone Romaniuk is an award winning set, costume and festival designer who works between Australia and the UK. For Ensemble Theatre she has designed FRANKENSTEIN and CASANOVA.

Set and costume design credits include: Unicorn Theatre, London: THE HUNTING LODGE. RNCM, Manchester: LA VIE PARISIENNE. Queensland Theatre Company: MACBETH, VENUS IN FUR, KELLY, HEAD FULL OF LOVE, ELIZABETH: ALMOST BY CHANCE A WOMAN, BOMBSHELLS, FRACTIONS, THE REMOVALISTS, WAITING FOR GODOT, RUBY MOON, EATING ICE CREAM, BECKETT X 3, and THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED. Opera Queensland: THE MAGIC FLUTE, THE MERRY WIDOW, SPACE ENCOUNTERS and THE MIKADO. Sydney Theatre Company: THE CRUCIBLE and THYESTES.

Since 2015 Simone has been the designer for annual international arts festival OzAsia Festival at Adelaide Festival Centre. She was resident designer for Queensland Theatre Company across 2011- 2012 and was awarded Matilda Awards Outstanding achievement for Design in 2012 and 2014. She holds design degrees from NIDA and QCA.

www.simoneromaniuk.com

Morgan Moroney

Morgan Moroney

Lighting Designer
Kelly Ryall

Kelly Ryall

Composer & Sound Designer

Composer & Sound Designer

Linda Nicholls-Gidley

Linda Nicholls-Gidley

Dialect Coach
Nigel Poulton

Nigel Poulton

Intimacy, Movement & Fight Director
Erin Shaw

Erin Shaw

Stage Manager

Graduating from the Technical Theatre and Stage Management course at NIDA in 2016, Erin has previously worked in the industry as a dresser on GIRL ASLEEP (Belvoir, 2016); stage manager on LITTLE BORDERS (The 505, 2017), MOTH (ATYP, 2017), and LOVE, ME (The 505, 2018); and assistant stage manager on DIPLOMACY (Ensemble Theatre, 2018) and BLISS (Belvoir, 2018).

Erin feels privileged to have worked with such an incredible team on this production and looks forward to the season.

Sophie Jones

Sophie Jones

Assistant Stage Manager

Assistant Stage Manager

Monica Smith

Monica Smith

Costume Supervisor

COSTUME SUPERVISOR

Monica Smith’s career has been characterised by a passion for theatre, dance and opera, as well as a dedication to excellence in her work in costume.

This year, she has also coordinated at Sydney Theatre Company for the production of HUBRIS & HUMILIATION, and previously worked at Opera Australia, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Sydney Dance Company and Belvoir St Theatre. She has worked with some of the most respected directors, designers and performers in the industry, showcasing her versatility in various productions. This year is Monica’s first season with Ensemble Theatre and is looking forward to the upcoming productions.

Alexis Worthing

Alexis Worthing

Costume Assistant
Special Performances

Audio Described

  • Wed 31 May 11am
  • Sat 3 Jun 2pm

Tactile Tours are available 1 hour prior to Audio Described performances, please contact the Box Office to book.

Q&A Session

  • Wed 24 May 8.15pm
  • Wed 31 May 11am

Free Teen

  • Wed 31 May 6.15pm

Director at Work Session (with Shaun Rennie)

Production Photos
Download the Program

Discover more about SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER with our digital program. It’s packed full of info about the show including a Director’s note, cast and creative bios, plus photos and more!

DOWNLOAD YOUR PROGRAM

Watch The Trailer