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[title]The incomparable Kat Stewart once again takes to the stage in a gripping new theatre production – say no more and take our money ten times over.
Break of Day made its world premiere at Malthouse’s Merlyn Theatre earlier this August, with the award-winning script from Steve Rodgers bringing together a rousing cast of seasoned mainstays and exciting new talent.
Fresh off taking home the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Performance in a Leading Role for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Stewart plays the role of Pam, a nightshift worker making ends meet in rural Burra Creek while her bright but restlessly ambitious daughter, Rae (played by Sherry-Lee Watson from Heartbreak High), struggles with the monotony of small town life.
On paper, the promise of watching the complexities of a strained mother-daughter relationship play out on stage with plucky humour and a parent’s determination to give their child more in this world is certainly enough to pique our interest.
But the drawcards don’t stop there.
The Break of Day production is directed by Sarah Goodes (also making her Malthouse debut) of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? fame, who is once again teaming up with Stewart after their successful run together in 2025. A dynamic duo solidifying their creative partnership to make magic on stage again? We love to see it (and yes we really are desperate to see it).
Elsewhere in the line-up, the wins keep coming with Chum Ehelepola (The Newsreader), Richard Piper (Savage River) and Theo Clarke rounding out the supporting cast alongside Stewart and Watson.
Stewart revealed her excitement at returning to the stage with such a raw and honest story.
“What drew me to Steve Rodgers’ beautiful script is how deeply relatable it is. It’s a story about the fierce sacrificial love of a mother, set against the harsh realities of modern regional Australia. It is funny, gritty and generous. But most importantly, it feels true,” said Stewart.
We can think of no better actor to sink her teeth into the role of Pam, with Stewart proving time and time again what a generational talent she is. Best known for her work in beloved TV series like Offspring, Underbelly and most recently the highly anticipated second season of Stan’s Original Series Black Snow – Stewart isn’t afraid to explore the thorny issues through her craft. And boy do we love watching her twist into those complex characters with such a deft touch.
Consider us sat, seated and ready for this one, folks.
For theatre aficionados, something tells us you’re not going to want to miss this highlight production.
Catch Break of Day at the Malthouse’s Merlyn Theatre until August 29. Tickets are on sale now from $55 to $104. Be sure to grab yours here.