“WILD Thing”, a funny and poignant new Australian play by award-winning writer Suzanne Hawley coming to The Q, is both a comedy and a tragedy.

A tale of sea eagles and pole dancing, of children and childhood dreams, of religion and rock ‘n’ roll. Most of all this is a tale of friendships that have stood the test of time. Until now.

Actor and producer Di Smith says: “Suzanne Hawley and I first met when I was barely 20, sharing a flat fresh out of
drama school, where she was acting at The Ensemble and writing her first plays. She was (as she is now) brilliant, bold and completely unique. It’s extraordinary that this production re-unites not only her but also three of my NIDA year and two other old friends, all stalwarts of the Australian stage.

“The ease and genuine joy of working together again make this play fly high. It is hilarious and controversial, and will inflame an important debate, I’m sure.

“For me, the journey began around Lewis Fitz-Gerald’s kitchen table early in 2017, with Penny Cook and Katrina Foster, NIDA classmates and old friends.

“We wanted to work together again. And I remember reading ‘Wild Thing’ only a month or two earlier. We are now without our marvellous Penny, but we have the play. And four real female friends to tell it.”

In the play, Jackie, Elizabeth, Frances and Susan become besties at high school and find freedom in Swinging London a decade later. After that they carve out very different lives for themselves and don’t see each other as often, but always meet up once a year for the “Musketeer’s dinner”.

But this year is different. Past 60, older but no wiser, the most radical member of the group is in crisis. To offer their support, the “Musketeers” take Jackie back to her country home for a weekend – to relax and let their hair down. What could possibly go wrong?

What follows tests their friendship, their morals and their courage as never before. And there’s a final twist that will change their lives forever.

“Wild Thing”, The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Friday, April 28, and Saturday, April 29 (2pm and 7.30pm), tickets $30-$60 from 6285 6290 or theq.net.au, (haze, strong language, drug use, loud gunshot, reference to suicide. Recommended for ages 18+).