Rules for Living
Directed by Kim Farrant
Red Stitch Company 2017
Written by Sam Holcroft
A familiar premise – the family Christmas fraught with tensions and habitual misunderstandings – is upended into a theatrically inventive, hilarious comedy about the coping strategies we each adapt in life, for better or worse.
Drawing on theories of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Rules for Living is an intelligent study of our perfectionist culture that exposes the fascinating and complex neuroses beneath.
“For my money the standout performer was Jem Nicholas. Nicholas carries so many of the scenes, she’s truly the life and soul of the ensemble; there are times when I longed for her to return to the stage so I could see what this magnificent actress would do next.”
- Heather Bloom, Australian Stage
“Special mention should be made of Nicholas' laugh-out-loud antics.”
- Anja Bless, Theatre Travels
Written by: Sam Holcroft
Directed by: Kim Farrant
Set Design: Jacob Battista
Costume Design: Sophie Woodward
Sound Design: Dawn Holland
Lighting Design: Clare Springett
Performed by: Rory Kelly, Caroline Lee, Jessica Clarke, Mark Dickinson, Lily McCarthy, Ella Newton, Jem Nicholas & Ian Rooney
Love, Love, Love
Directed by Denny Lawrence
Red Stitch Company 2015
Written by Mike Bartlett
Kenneth and Sandra meet in 1967, with big ideas and nothing to lose but themselves. The heat is steamy in the summer of love and the years ahead look bright. But will anyone understand where they were coming from?
Mike Bartlett’s sharp-witted drama, spanning 40 years, lets loose on the baby boomer generation whilst relishing their bygone glory.
“Jem Nicholas is startlingly good. She’s completely convincing as both 16 and 37, channelling Bartlett’s unbridled Gen-Y outrage without ever putting a foot wrong.”
- Byron Bache, Herald Sun
“But the real highlights of this production (is) Jem Nicholas… She is so real as the teenage Rosie that you are in physical pain for her.”
- Coral Drouyn, Stage Whispers
Written by: Mike Bartlett
Directed by: Denny Lawrence
Set Design: Jacob Battista
Costume Design: Sophie Woodward
Sound Design: Dawn Holland
Lighting Design: Clare Springett
Performed by: Paul Ashcroft, Ella Caldwell, Jordan Fraser-Trumble, Rory Kelly & Jem Nicholas