Review: The Bed Party (PIP Theatre)

*The cast of* The Bed Party at PIP Theatre, photographed by Claudio Kirac

Set in one sharehouse bedroom over the course of a weekend, new Australian play The Bed Party follows four housemates (and one prodigal ex-housemate) as they navigate love, sex, and relationships with support and solidarity.

Written and directed by Sophia Davidson Gluyas, The Bed Party makes its Brisbane debut at PIP Theatre after its premiere season in Sydney during Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2019.

*Ophelia Novak, Whitney Duff, Shanay De Marco, and Sarah Huston in* The Bed Party, *photographed by Claudio Kirac*

Tara (Shanay De Marco) returns to the house after a disastrous (and dangerous) date and seeks refuge in Jas and Finn’s bed. Soon, the whole household is piled in to air grievances, share stories and secrets, and find comfort.

*The cast of* The Bed Party, photographed by Claudio Kirac

Tara and Jasmine (Whitney Duff) were high school sweethearts and there is still unresolved tension, even as best friends and housemates more than a decade later. Jasmine’s partner Finn (Sarah Huston) is committed to honesty and openness in all of her relationships (and she is unimpressed that hipsters have appropriated queer aesthetics). Bri (Libby Jeisman) recently moved out with her girlfriend but tonight she’s back, wondering whether they can find a compromise for their shared future. New housemate George (Ophelia Novak) lives in Bri’s old room and is whimsical but thoughtful – she joins the bed party too, returning from a first date with stars in her eyes.

*Ophelia Novak as George and Libby Jeisman as Bri, photographed by Claudio Kirac*

Cocooned in the safety of the bed, these five women are a found family sharing stories of first loves, coming out, and narrow escapes. Billed as a “dyke dramedy”, the play raises interesting questions around monogamy, marriage, and parenting within the structures of patriarchy and heteronormativity. It also depicts the ways in which misogyny intersects with homophobia, and the erasure of bisexual people both in and out of the community.

*Ophelia Novak, Libby Jeisman (back), Shanay De Marco and Whitney Duff (front) in The Bed Party, photographed by Claudio Kirac*

The Bed Party deals with heavy and difficult themes, including sexual violence, patriarchy, and homophobia, with nuance, but is also full of humour, light-hearted banter, and a few local references. As a play, it is a refreshingly complex portrait of queer life and female friendship, and the deep and affirming love, meaningful connection, and reliable refuge that trusted friends and community can provide.

*Part of The Bed Party set designed by Genevieve Morrow Ganner, photographed by Claudio Kirac*

All of the actors brought an authentic emotional connection to their performances, and Emily Rowbottom made a strong impression as Bri’s ex-girlfriend Kelly despite only being onstage for one scene. The set designed by Genevieve Morrow Ganner was fabulous, with incredible attention to detail in every aspect, and the large bed on the right-hand side allowed ample stage space for movement on the left. Lighting design by Cale Dennis added dynamism and contributed to the authentic setting of an Australian sharehouse bedroom, and sound design by Nikki Savvides soundtracked the play and maintained its emotional threads across long scene transitions.

The Bed Party is a warm and funny play about found family, solidarity, the politics of identity, and the safety net of unconditional love.

The Bed Party is playing at PIP Theatre, Milton, from 12 – 28 October 2023.

For ticketing and further information, visit the PIP Theatre website