Synopsis
Andrew Bovell’s (the author of Strictly Ballroom) wonderful play is ‘a mystery for grown ups’. Laden with love, infidelity and mistrust, ‘Speaking in Tongues’ is already a major international success as the highly successful film ‘Lantana’. While intriguing and wickedly funny, this is a strangely tender offering about making mistakes and living with the consequences. The play delves into the murky territory of intimacy and trust within relationships. It shows the darker sides of our emotional selves.
Consisting of nine characters, performed by four actors, whose lives are connected – but not in the way they think they are – ‘Speaking in Tongues’ combines three stories that centre on two pairs of shoes and a detective sent to investigate an incident on a lonely country road.

Through films (Brassed Off, Billy Elliot, The Full Monty & Vera Drake) and TV (Boys from the Black Stuff) we’ve become very aware of the school of ‘It’s grim up north’ drama, and to the casual observer Road may seem to be one of those. But what marks it as out of the ordinary is Cartwright’s writing, which creates a compellingly believable cast of characters but allows them the linguistic freedom to convey their greatest fears and dreams, the hopelessness of their hope.
Road may not have a conventional narrative, but its combination of laughter, violence, desperation and love is a journey in itself. And by the morning (the end of the play, as in Under Milk Wood), you’ll be hoping that its characters...
“SOMEHOW — MIGHT ESCAPE!”

Tony Busch

“It’s a very challenging script, with a good director and a very interesting concept,” says Tony, who plays Leon (Sonja’s husband) & Nick (Jane’s & Pete’s neighbour).

Tony has worked in theatre in Melbourne from the age of 10 & returned to the stage after a 25-year absence in “Lady Windermere’s Fan” at St Jude’s Players. He’s won best actor awards, for his role as Lenny in “Rumours” at St Jude’s, George in “Moon Over Buffalo” for The Adelaide Rep & as the King in “The Madness of King George” for St Jude’s.

Outside of theatre, Tony runs a marketing company, loves food, wine & classical music, being passionate about romantic composers.

Peter Davies

“I like plays that give me the opportunity to play more than one character as it extends you,” says Peter, who plays Pete (Jane’s husband & Nick’s neighbour), Neil (Sarah’s ex-boyfriend) & John (Valerie’s husband).

Adelaide theatre audiences have seen Peter in many roles, such as the narrator in “Under Milk Wood” by REDchilli theatre, playing 7 very different characters in “Two” for Blackwood Players & the boyfriend in “The Deep Blue Sea” for St Jude’s Players.

When he’s not rehearsing or on stage, Peter is studying Information Management to become a librarian or working in a bottle shop.

Jean Walker

“It’s a marvellous role and they don’t come around too often,” says Jean, who plays Sonja (Leon’s wife) & Valerie (John’s wife & Sarah’s therapist).

Jean began her stage career in Manchester, England playing small roles in pantomime & singing alto in the chorus for the Light Opera Society. After moving to Adelaide in 1968, she has played some great dramatic roles including Jean Brodie in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie”, Maggie in “Hobson’s Choice” & Miss Cooper in “Separate Tables”.

If you think you’ve seen Jean at the Festival Centre, St Peter’s Cathedral or Beaumont House, you’re right, as she’s a tour guide in her spare time.

Bronwyn Ruciak

“It’s similar to real life - so many people could relate,” says Bronwyn about her line, “You see I’m middle aged too. But I don’t have children. I don’t have a good job. I don’t have money of my own. And I don’t like the lines around my eyes,” who plays Jane (Pete’s wife & Nick’s neighbour) & Sarah (Valerie’s client & Neil’s ex-girlfriend).

Bronwyn’s experience in performing includes four years with Australian Dance Theatre, films such as “Out!” for an ABC production which won an award at Cannes Film Festival & many roles on stage. Her favourites & most challenging parts are Jessie in “’Night Mother” for Stirling Players, Christine in “Bad Seed” for Burnside Players & Terry in “Extremities” for REDchilli theatre.

Apart from raising her two children, Bronwyn’s found time to study & is a qualified kindy teacher.