NICE CAN KILL!!!! (almost)
Patrick White’s greatest play A Cheery Soul comes to Holden Street Theatres this September in
a brand new production of this superb Australian play.
The Holden Street Theatres production, directed by Peter Goers will run at The Studio from
September 24 until 12 October 2024.
A Cheery Soul is celebrated as Australia’s only Nobel Prize for Literature Laureate’s funniest
and most trenchant play. A dark comedy set in the suburb of Sarsaparilla, 30kms from Sydney
in 1959.
At the heart of the story is Miss Docker (Martha Lott), an ostensibly nice, helpful woman and a
cheery soul who wreaks havoc on all. Miss Docker is one of the most unforgettable characters
in Australian drama.
An over-pruned tomato plant, a damaged roast, a nursing home, a church and the destructive
power of good. Just when you thought it was safe to be nostalgic about our suburban past along
comes… Miss Docker.
A Cheery Soul is the fourth production from the award-winning main stage company Holden
Street Theatres 2024 season and an ode to one of Australia’s most revered theatrical writers,
Patrick White.
According to Holden Street Theatres Artistic Director Martha Lott, who also stars as Miss
Docker in this production, A Cheery Soul is set to enthral South Australian audiences.
“A Cheery Soul is a brilliant play that transcends time. It’s equally as dark and funny in 2024 as
it was in its debut in 1963. As one of Australia’s most significant works it gives me great joy to
not only present A Cheery Soul as part of Holden Street Theatres 2024 program, but also
perform one of the most iconic roles as the unforgettable Miss Docker”, she said.
“This production is the vision of the legendary Peter Goers and features a leading cast and
creative team under Peter’s esteemed direction. A Cheery Soul is set to be the talk of the town
and the hottest theatre ticket this spring”.
For Peter Goers A Cheery Soul is set to be yet another career highlight at his beloved Holden
Street Theatres.
“A Cheery Soul is one of the most magnificent pieces of Australian theatre. It’s language, satire
and exploration into suburban Australia culture is devastating and very funny. It’s such a
privilege to work with a wonderful cast of creatives at Adelaide’s true home of theatre”, he said.
Directed and designed by PETER GOERS
A CHEERY SOUL features MARTHA LOTT as Miss Docker With David Arcidiaco, Catherine Campbell, Christopher Cordeaux, Jo Coventry, Robert Cusenza, Ron Hoenig, Sandi McMenamin, David O’Brien, Sue Wylie and introducing Amelia Lott-Watson as Narelle
Tickets have been kept low in consideration of the cost of living.
Specific set pieces have been crocheted by Anne Wills and her band of merry crocheters along with the multitude of crochet blankets donated by our generous community.
Painting by C Pearson
SEASON Preview 24/25 Sept Opening 26th Sept – 12th Oct
Tue, 24 Sep – Sat, 28 Sep @ 7:30pm, Sat, 28 Sep @ 2:00pm,Tue, 1 Oct – Sat, 5 Oct @ 7:30pm, Sat, 5 Oct @ 2:00pm, Sun, 6 Oct @ 4:00pm, Tue, 8 Oct – Sat, 12 Oct @ 7:30pm, Sat, 12 Oct @ 2:00pm
TICKETS Adult: $25.00, Concession: $18.70, Group 6+: $22.20, (+ Fees and charges apply)
available through https://www.holdenstreettheatres.com/a-cheery-soul or on (08) 8225 8888
