Beaumaris Theatre Inc. acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Owners of the land on which Beaumaris Theatre stands. We pay our respects to Victoria's First Peoples and their Elders past, present and emerging.

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two ladies

Nancy Harris’s Two Ladies takes place during a high-stakes international summit, where the Presidents of the United States and France are locked in tense negotiations. Meanwhile, down the hall, their wives, Sophia and Hélène, unexpectedly find themselves trapped in the same room, forced to explore what unites and what divides them.

Sophia and Hélène explore their personal lives, political roles and the pressures of being married to powerful leaders, uncovering their shared frustrations about the limits placed on their agency and identity.

Two Ladies is an exploration of a life adjacent to power and the hidden costs of a political life.

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When I first brought Irish playwright Nancy Harris’ play Two Ladies to Beaumaris Theatre, I was keen to see it staged while it still had relevance today. Little did I know how much more relevant it would become to the present day as time went along. Originally staged at London’s Bridge Theatre in 2019, during the first Trump administration, the issues and concerns the story raises seemed more fantastical then, but life under Trump’s second reign has brought them into stark perspective.

Harris wrote this play after seeing Melania Trump and the French President’s wife, Brigitte Macron, standing together during Bastille Day anniversary celebrations in 2017, which left her wondering what they thought of their husbands and their over-exaggerated handshaking and backslapping. Were these women embarrassed, exhilarated or bored by their husbands and the three-ring circus surrounding them?

Thus, Two Ladies was born, allowing Harris to explore the equally privileged and controlled worlds of the President’s wives. Is it all glamour and designer clothes, grand receptions and ballrooms, or do the frustrations of being constantly watched and managed create a tension behind the scenes?

While the play Harris eventually wrote is only loosely based on the real-life Melania and Brigitte, here they are Sophia and Hèléne, and their backgrounds are different to reality, it’s the familiar attributes that make the outrageous turns the story takes feel surprisingly believable. What starts out as satire eventually becomes a feminist revenge story that will hopefully leave you with plenty to discuss as you leave the theatre.

I’ve had so much fun putting this Australian premiere production together for Beaumaris Theatre audiences, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of the Production Team and Committee for all their hard work and support in getting this show to the stage.

My amazing cast, led by the incredible Kate Harvey and Urska Sabec, have given their all to deliver truly heartfelt and entertaining storytelling. Thank you, Kate, Urska, Sean, Lara and Camille for your dedication and hard work. Finally, I’d like to thank Trudi Sheppard for first pushing me to submit this play to Beaumaris Theatre, and then for all her assistance in auditions, rehearsals and behind the scenes, always ready with a trusty ear and advice when I needed it most.

I hope you enjoy this story and this production as much as we’ve loved bringing it to you.

Adam Rafferty

Cast

Hélène - Kate Harvey

Sophia - Urska Sabec

Sandy - Lara Williams

Geoges - Sean Kelly

Fatima - Camille Gautam

creative team and crew

Director - Adam Rafferty

Production Coordinator - Debbie Keyt

Stage Manager - Rhonda Vaughan

Set Design - Ella Creaton

Costumes- Harry Brammall and Samantha Davies

Lighting Design - Damien Calvert

Sound Design -

Lighting & Sound Operator - Damien Calvert

Set Construction & decor -

Marketing and program - Kristina Doucouliagos

Photography & videography- Tim Tselepis

Flier Design - Ella Creaton

Front of House Coordinator - Fiona Williams

Front of House Manager - Adam Solomon

Box Office - Beaumaris Theatre Committee Members

Front of House Volunteers - Beaumaris Theatre Members & Friends

With very special thanks to

**Adam Rafferty - Director**
This is Adam’s first time directing for Beaumaris Theatre, and he’s very grateful for the opportunity he’s been given to bring this very topical story to an Australian stage for the first time.
Adam’s last time working here was on stage, playing Bud in our lauded production of *The Bridges of Madison County*, a part he cherished. He has also appeared as Carney in *A Man of No Importance*, and as Lt. Jack Ross in *A Few Good Men* (Williamstown Little Theatre), Freddie/Marc in *The Talented Mr Ripley* (Brighton Theatre Company), Neville Landless in *The Mystery of Edwin Drood* (Heidelberg Theatre Company) and Alexander Lord in *The Philadelphia Story* (Malvern Theatre Company).
Adam played Ivan in *The Seafarer* (Hoy Polloy) at fortyfivedownstairs, and Rosen in *The Woodsman* (Act-O-Matic 3000). He was also Assistant Director for *La Cage Aux Folles* at the National Theatre (Quirky Productions). Adam trained in Voice at the Victorian College of the Arts.

**Kate Harvey - Hélène**
Kate is delighted to be part of *Two Ladies*, taking on the role of the French First Lady. She is often drawn to characters who are spirited, witty, and unafraid to take up space, and this role is no exception.
Her favourite roles have included Lydia in *Wicked Sisters* (Williamstown Theatre), Helen, the Russian spy, in *Pack of Lies* (Frankston Theatre, for which she won a Best Characterisation Award), Lisa in *The Corflutes of Kooyong* (the Dandenong Ranges and South Gippsland One Act Play Festivals), and, of course, Clairee in *Steel Magnolias* (Beaumaris Theatre).
Whilst the glamorous and haughty Hélène may not always win immediate sympathy, Kate is fascinated by her intelligence, humour, and undeniable charisma. Beneath the sharp edges is a woman who has made profound personal sacrifices in pursuit of love and a shared vision of greatness. Choices that invite both judgement and understanding.
Thrilled to be working with such a talented cast and crew, she hopes audiences enjoy the humour, tension, and unexpected solidarity that unfolds when two women from very different worlds are left alone together.

**Urska Sabec - Sophia**
Urska was born and raised in Slovenia, where, as young as 8 was already writing and performing in school plays. Her theatre passion continued into high school and university, and at this time she played small roles in Slovenian TV shows and international commercials while working as a model in Slovenia and around Europe.
When Urska came to Australia over 10 years ago, she joined D.K Productions to build up her skills. In 2022, she was cast in *Spring At Marino* (Encore Theatre) and in *Guilty Party, The Great Sebastians, Advise and Consent,* and You Can’t Take It With You (Old Melbournians Theatrical Society). Urska was also the accent coach for Beaumaris Theatre’s *Ladies in Black.*
Urska is overjoyed that *Two Ladies* is her Beaumaris Theatre stage debut.

**Lara Williams - Sandy**
Lara joyfully returns to the stage as she makes her community theatre debut with Beaumaris Theatre in *Two Ladies,* playing the ballsy Sandy.
A self -labelled drama queen since birth, she trained and performed with St Martin’s Youth Theatre and later studied Theatre and Film at Melbourne University. A former school Drama Captain, she has built a strong foundation in performance. Her past roles have ranged from Jesus to Zeus to, memorably, a rubber ducky who finds out what life is like down the plug hole in *Michael Francis Willoughby in Elogulp.*
Lara has also worked as a casting director, giving her insight into the acting craft from both sides of the table. An avid follower of US politics, she is especially excited to be part of *Two Ladies.*

**Sean Kelly - Geoges**
Sean is excited to be making his debut with Beaumaris Theatre. He has worked extensively in theatre for over 20 years, beginning with his acting degree at Federation University. During his studies, he performed a range of roles, including Vershinin in *Three Sisters,* Orsino in *Twelfth Night*, and the villainous Yang Sun in *The Good Person of Szechwan.*
Following this, Sean toured Victoria and interstate with OzAct Theatre Company, performing Shakespeare in outdoor locations such as Loch Ard Gorge and the Naracoorte Caves. His characters there included Sebastian in The Tempest and Orlando in *As You Like It.*
After a break to start a family, he returned to the stage in roles including Peter in *It’s Only a Play* (Mordialloc Theatre Company), Joe in *Cul-de-Sac* and Mortimer in *Arsenic and Old Lace* (Encore Theatre). Most recently, he appeared as Orsino in *Twelfth Night* and Paris/ Tybalt in *Romeo and Juliet* (Mornington Peninsula Theatre Company). He also recently took the plunge into film, playing a digital revenant in the film *The Long Road.*

**Camille Gautam - Fatima**
his is Camille’s debut with Beaumaris Theatre, with her first theatrical production being *The Crucible,* followed by *The Appleton Ladies Potato Race*, where she discovered the thrill of live theatre. Prior to this, you may have spotted Camille in *Neighbours*, or in the movie *Shantaram,* or perhaps awkwardly smiling in a commercial.
Camille is beyond excited to be part of *Two Ladies.* Playing Fatima in this sharp, relevant-to-the-times gem has been a rewarding challenge, as Camille worked to bring her character’s strength and courage to life. It has been a pleasure for Camille to work alongside this gifted cast and crew.

**Trudi Sheppard - Cheryl Filch**
Trudi is delighted to return to the Beaumaris Theatre stage and be involved in this witty Australian production.
Most recently, Trudi was seen as Nikki in *The Appleton Ladies Potato Race* (Malvern Theatre Company), her second role as a hairdresser after playing Truvy in *Steel Magnolias* (Beaumaris Theatre), having previously played Shelby in 2006. Other recent roles have included Jackie Jones in *Cul De Sac* (Encore Theatre Company, Lyrebird Award Winner) and Virginia in *It’s Only A Play* (Mordialloc Theatre Company).
A repeat offender playing Alice in *The Vicar of Dibley* (Beaumaris Theatre and 1812 Theatre, Lyrebird Award Winner), she is utterly chuffed to again be sharing the stage with her favourite Vicar! Other favourite roles include Sybil in *Fawlty Towers* and Annabella/ Margaret/Pamela in *The 39 Steps*.
Trudi happily notes that her favourite teacher of all time is her sister.

**Fiona Williams - Brenda, The crossing supervisor & Stage Manager**
Fiona is an excellent stage manager and has worked as part of numerous backstage crews at Beaumaris Theatre.
From time to time, she has crept out of the shadows and into the spotlight as Frau Schmidt in our production of *The Sound Of Music,* a party guest in *The Great Gatsby*, Connie and Anne Welberg in *Flowers For Algernon*, Johnna in August: Osage County, and a village person in *Cinderella* and *Jack in the Beanstalk - a Pantomime*. She also played an elf and stage-managed *The 70th Anniversary Christmas Panto Revue.*
She is looking forward to being part of *Chalkface* and hopes you enjoy the show.

**Steve Morris - Mr Theodopolous & Assistant Stage Manager**
Steve’s first appearance on the Beaumaris Theatre stage was way back in 2003 in *Blackrock*.
Since then, he has appeared in shows including *The Castle, Dimboola, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Smiley The Musical, Anne of Green Gables, The Sound of Music, Fawlty Towers* and *Set Build* - just to name a few!
He has also been busy backstage managing shows such as *Deathtrap, Blood Brothers, Echoes, Bedside Manners, One For The Pot* and *Une Belle Farce*. He has also appeared in productions with Malvern Theatre, LOTS, MOTTS, Ace Theatre and Kismet Productions.
One of his strongest memories of his primary school days is the compulsory consumption of a small bottle of milk every morning. He still can’t drink milk - unless it has some chocolate syrup and ice cream with it!

**Jenni Osburn - Production Coordinator & Costume Coordinator**
Jen‘s association with Beaumaris Theatre began back in 2007 when her youngest daughter appeared in *A Midsummer Night’s Dream.* She is a proud Life Member of Beaumaris Theatre and has served on the Committee since 2008.
She is thrilled to be working with Sam and the extremely talented cast on this hilarious insight into some of the ongoing struggles faced by our teachers, and not forgetting the admin staff in our schools. Her eldest daughter is a teacher and assures her the struggles are real!
She remembers fondly Mother John hoisting her habit and pulling her scapular through and tying it at the front to create a trouser-like concoction in order to play French Cricket with students at lunchtime.

**Fred Pezzimenti - Set Designer**
Fred has been involved in the theatre for over 45 years and has performed with and directed for many companies, including Opera Australia, MLOC, ASPECT Inc., PLOS, Panorama Theatre, ASPECT Inc and Melbourne Opera Company.
At Beaumaris Theatre, Fred has directed *Dreamchild - Alice’s Musical Adventures, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Vicar of Dibley, Sweeney Todd - the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, August: Osage County* and *The Three Musketeers.*
He has also designed sets and lighting for numerous productions, including *Cosi* and *Puffs*. Fred has also spent many years as a member of the Beaumaris Theatre Committee.

**Joshua Gardner - Lighting Designer, Lighting & Sound Operator**
Lesson Plan: Joshua's Life and Theatre
Learning Objectives: Technically oriented theatrical understanding
Activity: Exploration of three areas of study
Area of Study 1: High School
While at school, his interest was kick-started when he was asked to light a school production. Since then, he has supported the school with everything from assemblies and concerts to dance and drama shows (2017-present). He has also worked on all their musicals since 2017: Poet's Corner, Struggletown, Grease, Chicago, Fame, Lady Liberty, and A Chorus Line.
Area of Study 2: University
At this point, life's and theatre's lesson plans diverged. It wasn't until the end of his computer science degree that he explored the untapped world of university theatre. Here, he lit, mixed, and played his way through several productions, including four years of The Sitzprobe, Firebringer, The Haunting of Sycamore Theatre, A Matter of Family, and Last Impressions.
Area of Study 3: Beyond the Classroom
Beyond university shows, he has extended his reach to the Melbourne Fringe Festival and to independent and community theatre, working with Lightbox (First Date) and OSMaD (Come From Away).
Assessment: Utilise his diverse experience to support the Victorian premiere of Chalkface, an entertaining show he hopes you'll enjoy!

Join us on Spotify to listen to a playlist compiled by the director, Samantha Stone, and cast that will give you a taste of the themes of Chalkface and the songs that represent these fun and complex characters. See if you can guess which song lines up with which character!

Beaumaris Theatre was founded by Bill and Angela Martin in 1953. Bill and Angela were thespians who built a theatre in the attic of their home. It housed about twenty audience members and had a small stage and dressing room.

Soon the demand for tickets for these productions far exceeded the space available, so the Martins along with other members of the Beaumaris Players, worked very hard to have the theatre space we now know in Wells Road.

For the last 70 years, thespians from all walks of life and various backgrounds have been treading the prestigious boards laid by Bill and Angela. We are delighted to continue their legacy of producing theatre for the Bayside community and beyond.

BEAUMARIS THEATRE COMMITTEE

President - Debbie Keyt

Vice-President - Adam Solomon

Treasurer - Jenni Osburn

Secretary & Public Officer - Lynda French

Marketing Manager & Membership Secretary - Kristina Doucouliagos

Committee Members - Camilla Klesman, Deb Carpenter, Fiona Williams, Georgy Charles, Harrison Ewart-Dart and Stephen White.

BEAUMARIS THEATRE LIFE MEMBERS

Bill Martin; Angela Martin; Roger North; Esme North; Roy Baldwin; Bea Beckwith; Anne Lowe; Jean Freer; Beth Kelsall; John Rees-Osborne; Nancy Sutch-Taylor; Edda Dawson; Barbara Franks; Annie Laurenson; Jenny Mullholland; Stephen Mulholland; Don Strong; Taffy Strong; Michael Coultas; Graham Eddie; Derek Curd; Janine Chugg; Debbie Keyt; Robyn Morris; Steve Morris; Neil Barnett; Rhonda Vaughan; Vince Vaughan; Danny Forward; Jenni Osburn; Trevor Osburn; Kristina Doucouliagos; Fred Pezzimenti and Camilla Klesman.