The Children's Hour by Lillian Hellman at The Old Fitz

Tiny Dog Productions & Dead Fly Productions presents

THE CHILDREN’S HOUR Written by Lillian Hellman, supported by The City of Sydney, Darlo Drama and Sydney Mardi Gras

Directed by Kim Hardwick

When a troubled schoolgirl tells a lie, it sets off a chain of events with extraordinary and damaging consequences.

Premiering on Broadway in 1934, banned in London and several cities across America and performing for 691 shows in its first run, Lillian Hellman's The Children’s Hour was a product of its time, but 90 years later the devastating consequences of deceit, lies, homophobia and fear-mongering at the heart of this work remain startlingly relevant.

At their beloved boarding school Karen and Martha become entangled in a world of shame and courage when a troubled schoolgirl tells a lie to her unsuspecting grandmother, setting off a chain of events with extraordinary, damaging consequences.

Hellman’s The Children’s Hour was a controversial piece that caused the playwright to be blacklisted from Hollywood. Today, it remains a haunting reminder for us all.

Playwright: Lillian Hellman

Director: Kim Hardwick

Producers: Deborah Jones & Romney Hamilton

Assistant Director: Maddy Steadman

Set Designer: Emelia Simcox

Costume Designer: Hannah Yardley

Lighting Designer: Jimi Rawlings

Stage Manager: Clare Sheridan

Vocal Coach: Linda Nicholls-Gidley

Graphic Designer: Mel Jensen

Cast (of 13): Sarah Ballantyne, Jess Bell, Amy Bloink, Mike Booth, Annie Byron, Kim Clifton, Romney Hamilton, Martelle Hammer, Miranda Huttley, Deborah Jones, Lara Kocsis, Madeline Kunstler, Kira Mclennan