CACtus

By Madelaine Nunn
Directed by Katie Cawthorne

cactus

‘Everyone knows that friendships made in bathrooms are ones that last for life.’

Cactus is a brutally funny, heartbreakingly honest new play for anyone who is or ever has been a teenager.

This timely play by Madelaine Nunn follows Abbie and her best friend PB as they navigate their last year of high school. It’s going well. I mean, they’re still virgins, but it’s going well. Milestones are being met. Exams are drawing near. Freedom is on the horizon. Then Abbie gets some news that suddenly and unceremoniously plunges her into a world she wasn’t ready for.

Winner of the ATYP Rebel Wilson Theatre Maker Scholarship
Shortlisted for the Rodney Seaborn Playwrights Award
Nominated for an Australian Writer’s Guild Award
Shortlisted for the Natural Born Writer’s Award

First produced by Mad Nun Productions & La Mama Theatre, Melbourne 2021
RAV Arts & Education Tour, Victoria 2022
La Mama season 2023

cast and creatives

Producing Company: Mad Nun productions
Playwright: Madelaine Nunn
Director: Katie Cawthorne
Dramaturg: Jane Fitzgerald
Producer: Madelaine Nunn
Costume Designer: Angelica Rush
Composer & Sound Designer: Rachel ‘Stoz’ Stone
Lighting Designer 2021: Aden
Lighting Designer 2023: Chris Chainey
Stage Manager: Sian Halloran
Regional Tour Production Manager: Max Woods

Cast 2021 La Mama Season and RAV tour:
Abbie: Ayesha Harris-Westman
PB: Lucy Rossen

Cast 2023 La Mama season:
Abbie: Georgia Heath
PB: Fran Sweeney-Nash

reviews

“A vivid and touching and effortlessly funny portrayal that puts the intimate textures of female companionship centre stage.”
Sydney Morning Herald – Cameron Woodhead

“A brilliantly written work that explores friendship, adolescence, hardship and identity with full throttle honesty and stoic integrity.”
Australian Arts Review – Gavin Roach 

“Nunn’s writing style is incisive and hard-hitting.”
Stage Whispers - Patricia Di Risio

“Whip smart – at times hilarious and risqué – dialogue.”
The Blurb – Alex First

“A beautiful show with the right mix of comedy to bring the audience through the tragedy.”
Weekend Notes

“Funny, heartbreaking and captivating from start to finish.”
Theatre Travels

“Nunn’s script is insightful, and witty; full of hilarious and dramatic vignettes set over those final months of school.”
Keith Gow Blog