Written by Melanie Tait
Directed by Priscilla Jackman
Queensland Theatre, 2023
“Directed by Brisbane-born Priscilla Jackman…this production at Queensland Theatre, leaves the male characters off stage and shows how the patriarchy can be upheld, ironically, by feminine infighting.”
Nick Dent
Brisbane Times and Sydney Morning Herald
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“Melanie Tait’s uplifting play about a big win in a small town has opened at Queensland Theatre, directed by Priscilla Jackman. The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race beautifully captures a slice of small-town community spirit, with tongue-in-cheek humour and plenty of heart, as it explores the way in which incremental shifts lay the foundation for lasting and meaningful change.”
Elise Lawrence
Limelight
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“Priscilla Jackman directs a quintessential Australian story, with community at its heart. Clearly a crowd favourite, it received a standing ovation on opening night.”
Lisette Drew
Arts Hub
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“The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race told the story of women, for all women with a grace and ease that just felt right. It is an important story, a story that must be seen as far and as wide as possible, by everyone. The messages of the story, the characters, and audience all met with an explosion of love. Look no further than Queensland Theatre for this season of the Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race.”
Nahima Abraham
Absolute Theatre
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“Directed expertly by Priscilla Jackman, the play’s set design by Michael Scott-Mitchell is very minimalist, with the centrepiece being a rusty Holden FJ ute. A rotating section surrounding it adds movement, with this basic set surprisingly efficient in evoking the different locations with the addition of a few props.”
Vicki Englund
The Blurb – Australian Arts & Entertainment Reviews
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“Tait’s charming story about friendship, equality and the complexities of rural life is well written, beautifully crafted and very funny. And under Priscilla Jackman’s sharp direction, this is a taut telling, especially in its conclusion…with such humour and heart and its centre, this winning new Australian comedy is the perfect, uplifting antidote to our times.”
Meredith Walker
Blue Curtains Brisbane
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“What shines through The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race is its efficiency. The writing is punchy, and Priscilla Jackman’s affectionate direction keeps the pace…The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race achieves what its creators intend – it reveals people we can relate to, and root for, in a town that feels familiar. And on the eve of a historic and contested referendum, there are other parallels about the pursuit of change, and the courage and faith required to get it over the line.”
Cameron Pegg
InReview