Written by Melanie Tait
Directed by Priscilla Jackman
Ensemble Theatre
“Priscilla Jackman directs with energy a strong all-woman cast. Millerchip brings naivety to her central role as Penny. McMahon is a cracker as the feisty, athletic, potty-mouthed Nikki. Bader’s knowing pauses and comic timing as she sheds the chip on her shoulder are a joy.”
Joyce Morgan
Sydney Morning Herald
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“Director Priscilla Jackman provides ample room for play in her production; during her scene transitions characters dance props into place and share small moments together. These are little capsules of joy, and it’s near-impossible to resist being charmed. She infuses the story with additional, but judicious affection: every character is likeable, even grumpy Bev, and she treats the play’s more serious concerns, like xenophobia and discrimination, with pragmatism”
Cassie Tongue
TimeOut
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“Under the skilled direction of Priscilla Jackman, the originality of these Aussie women is grounded and exciting to watch and enjoyable in their recognisability. Jackman’s pinpoint use of pause is an immeasurable asset to the charming embrace of the production”
Judith Greenaway
Arts Hub
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“With unfussy direction (Priscilla Jackman) and spare design (the set is by Michael Scott-Mitchell), it’s a total crowd-pleaser, a colloquial Aussie play without a moment of cringe…And Jackman, building an impressive body of work on Sydney stages, who skillfully modulates the broad humour and country clichés.”
Jason Whittaker
Daily Review
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“The picture of Appleton painted by Tait and deftly directed by Priscilla Jackman in 90 taut minutes is a colourful and detailed one…”
“The Appleton Ladies Potato Race is a gentle comedy with a sting in its tail. The cast is flawless and funny, Michael Scott-Mitchell’s set of the back of a rusty ute that doubles as bleachers and potato storage is simple and gives them plenty of room to shine. In the end, when the chips are down (sorry, couldn’t resist one potato pun) the ladies come through and humanity wins the day. Would that it were so.”
Diana Simmonds
Stage Noise
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“The maturity of the drama is in its measure, with Priscilla Jackman’s direction complementing Tait’s writing…The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race is a must-see. There are no downsides to this polished, measured, and punchy work that says so much with such style.”
Sean Maroney
The Music
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“Director Priscilla Jackman shows great confidence in her cast and has a marvellous appreciation of what is comical and treasurable in this very funny, and ultimately very moving, new play”
Frank Hatherley
Stage Whispers
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“Through the lens of five female characters living in rural Australia we look in on ourselves as a nation. It’s a funny play with a huge heart that is not afraid to pack a punch. It is about rejection and acceptance; seeing the world as it really is and at the same time, daring to ask if it can be something more.”
Arts Review
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“Director Priscilla Jackman imbues the show with extraordinary warmth… featuring five actors in a cohesive and joyful collaboration.”
Suzy Wrong
Suzy Goes See
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“Priscilla Jackman directs a bare-bones staging (a Michael Scott-Mitchell design) whose main feature is the arse end of an old ute. Her casting is flawless. Millerchip’s Penny is a winning mix of pep and calculation. McMahon conjures Nikki from equal parts vivaciousness and spite.”
Jason Blake
Audrey Journal