Ladies In Black
Playhouse Qpac
Queensland Theatre's first production for their Main Stage season of 2017 is the return of the acclaimed Ladies in Black, at the Playhouse, QPAC.
Based on Women in Black – Madeleine St John’s 1993 novel – Ladies in Black has been penned by Carolyn Burns (Objection Overruled), with music and lyrics by songwriter extraordinaire, Tim Finn, OBE. To top it off, acclaimed director, Simon Phillips (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Love Never Dies Off) is at the helm, in this show full of glitz, glamour, gentle comedy and some wonderful frocks.
The setting is 1950s Australia, with the title referring to the women who worked in Sydney department store, F.G. Goode, particularly the young and naïve Lisa who goes to work in the frocks department. There, in the social upheaval of the repressed ‘50s she meets her co-workers who forever change her and her attitudes. There’s Patty, who’s got marriage problems, the unlucky-in-love Fay, and the enigmatic Magda, an exotic European refugee who takes Lisa under her wing.
With 20 original songs by former Split Enz and Crowded House star, Finn, the performers will be giving audiences a treat, with Brisbane's Sarah Morrison playing Lisa. Also on board are Bobby Fox, Kate Cole, Carita Farrer Spencer, Kathryn MacIntyre, Natalie Gamsu, Trisha Noble and Greg Stone – who between them have a host of hit shows and critical acclaim. And fashion lovers will revel in the stunning range of 30 customed-designed frocks and suits strutting their stuff on stage.
Ladies in Black is one of Queensland Theatre's best loved shows of recent years and makes a great theatrical start to 2017 before it tours the southern capitals.
By Vicki Englund
Ladies in Black
Playhouse, QPAC
Melbourne St
Cnr Grey St
South Brisbane
Jan 28-Feb 19
$60-$95
136 246