This week on Arts Tuesday, Suzi and Diana sat down with director John Grinston for a lively chat about the underrated art of the one-act play. As Bittersweet Productions brings live theatre back to the beautiful Eternity Playhouse, John shares the unique challenges of directing short comedy, while sharing a laugh over the ultimate audience sin… falling asleep during a show!

They discuss Bittersweet’s upcoming 90-minute showcase, which features three rarely seen theatrical gems. The program includes Seagulls by Caryl Churchill (directed by Sarah Carradine), making its Australian stage premiere with a sharp meditation on the power and impermanence of creativity.

During the interview, John also dives into his two directorial pieces. He introduces Time Flies by David Ives, a hilarious and tender fantasy, where two mayflies try to seize the day after discovering their fleeting 24-hour lifespan. This prompts a very funny debate on whether insects can ever truly be “sexy.” Finally, they discuss Christopher Durang’s The Actors’ Nightmare, a wild comedy about a forlorn accountant trapped on stage in a surreal, morphing theatrical fever dream.

Don’t miss out on this 90 minute triple bill on Friday the August 21st at 7:00 PM and Saturday, August 22nd at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM at the Eternity Playhouse.