Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre in association with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival presents

Rules For Living

Australian Premiere

Written by Sam Holcroft

Directed by Kim Farrant

14 March – 16 April

“Nothing prepared us for this play…hilarious” ★★★★The Guardian

In partnership with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre presents Rules For Living by young British playwright Sam Holcroft. This hilarious black comedy uses the traditional chaos of a Christmas to examine the bizarre strategies we adapt to cope with everyday life.

A Christmas lunch and a confined space – it’s a recipe for disaster for even the most civil families. Matriarch Edith has a long list of rules including a ban on talk about “sex, death and global warming,” in fact, “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” As the drinks flow the festivities unravel into a comedic frenzy of surprising revelations – accusations fly and relationships implode. It’s time to bring out the rules.

Drawing on theories of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Rules for Living is an intelligent study of our perfectionist culture that exposes the complex neuroses beneath our civilised facades.

Making her Red Stitch directorial debut, Kim Farrant will direct this Australian premiere. Her film Strangerland, starring Nicole Kidman, Hugo Weaving and Joseph Fiennes, premiered in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at Sundance Film Festival in 2015.  

Rules For Living features ensemble members Rory Kelly and Caroline Lee alongside guest actors including Jessica Clarke, Mark Dickinson, Jem Nicholas, Ian Rooney, Ella Newton and Lily McCarthy.

Set & Costume Designer Sophie Woodward and Composer & Sound Designer Daniel Nixon return to the company alongside Resident Lighting Designer Clare Springett.

“Ingenious and insightful” ★★★★The Times

Venue: Red Stitch Theatre, Rear 2 Chapel St, St Kilda

Dates: 14 March – 16 April (previews 14-17 March)

Time: Tuesday – Saturday 8pm, Sunday 6.30pm  

Tickets: $15.00 – $49.00

Bookings: (03) 9533 8083 or www.redstitch.net