The relationships that bind modern journalism, the justice system and the political establishment come under acerbic scrutiny in Talk, written and directed by Jonathan Biggins. Sydney Theatre Company‘s latest new play, exploring how the 24 hours news cycle is spurred on by the influence of social media, is at Sydney Opera House from 23 April to 20 May 2017.

John Waters, in his first role at STC in over a decade, plays John Behan, a rampaging radio talkback host filling the airwaves with a daily diet of moralising opinion. As he and his producer Belinda (Valerie Bader) learn that his words have major personal consequences, newsrooms across town are going into overdrive.

On her first day as Acting Editor of the city’s major tabloid, Julie (Hannah Waterman) is brazenly determined to get the story that will sell, while over at the national broadcaster, retiring newsman Taffy (Peter Kowitz) has one final tale of his own to tell. But without the right platform, is anyone going to listen?

Peppered with sharp wit, this fast-paced, darkly humorous new play also features Helen Christinson, Paige Gardiner, Lucia Mastrantone, Kenneth Moraleda, Andrew Tighe and Ben Wood. Design is by Mark Thompson, lighting by Trent Suidgeest and sound and composition by Steve Francis.

Talk‘s writer and director Jonathan Biggins has long been a significant player at STC, not least as one third of the brains behind The Wharf Revue. As playwright, he mercilessly lampooned local councils in Australia Day. As director, he brought to life the manic behind-the-scenes antics of Michael Frayn’s Noises Off. And as a performer, as well as in the Revues, he has had roles in Tom Stoppard’s Travesties, Andrew Upton’s adaption of Bulgakov’s The White Guard and Roy Smile’s Ying Tong – A Walk with the Goons. His many accolades include the 2010 Helpmann Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Avenue Q.a

With plenty of surprising twists, Talk is laugh-out-loud funny as well as blisteringly topical. An incisive tale that is sure to fire up thoughtful and vigorous debate.

What: Talk by Jonathan Biggins. 

Where: Sydney Opera House. 

When: From 23rd April to 20th May 2017. 

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