Mother and Son at The Arts Theatre

21-24 and 28-30 November 2024at 7.30 pm 

24 November 2024 at 3.00 pm and 30 November 2024 at 2.00 pm 

Ageing isn’t for the old or faint-hearted….

This poignant tribute to ageing is about dependence, love, and family and being driven up the wall by someone you love but never outsmart!

Written by Geoffrey Atherden – Directed by Jude Hines

The Rep breathes new life into the celebrated Australian TV series in this play, commissioned for stage by the original series writer, Geoffrey Atherden.

Voted the best Australian TV series ever, this stage production is filled with laughter, nostalgia, and poignant moments exploring the themes of family bonds and the challenges of ageing.

This production will entertain audiences young & old.

Maggie Beare is in the early stages of dementia, and her younger son, Arthur, reluctantly lives with her. Despite being increasingly forgetful, Maggie is lucid enough to strategically manipulate Arthur, usually for something outlandish and inconvenient. Their family is dysfunctional, and Arthur’s budding love life is ‘on the rocks’ before he gets to hand-holding. Audiences can expect a hearty, laugh-out-loud-great time.

We introduce the renowned Adelaide performers Penni Hamilton–Smith in the Maggie Beare role, originally played by Ruth Cracknell, and Patrick Clements as Arthur Beare, originally played by Garry McDonald. A talented supporting cast includes Stephen Bills, Nikki Gaertner, Maggie Mooney, Sandy Whitelaw, Jess Corrie, and introducing Alifa Willoughby and Henry Bacon.