Writer Michael Frayn, creator of international hits COPENHAGEN and NOISES OFF, explores what it is to be human in a statistically driven world, in this Olivier Award-winning comedy set in the late 1960s.
Overview
David and Jane are a happy and prosperous couple. He’s an idealistic architect and she’s an anthropologist who always stands with him. Their neighbours Colin and Sheila are by comparison struggling. Colin’s glory-days are over and Sheila is subservient and unfocused.
David feels his new architectural dream, the redevelopment of an inner-city housing project, will be the answer to future home building. However as Sheila settles into her neighbours’ way of life, Colin starts to oppose David’s bright new view of the future. Can struggling Colin become an unlikely hero of the people? Will Jane throw Sheila out? Or will the tower blocks collapse before the project is finished?
Writer Michael Frayn, creator of international hits COPENHAGEN and NOISES OFF, explores what it is to be human in a statistically driven world, in this Olivier Award-winning comedy set in the late 1960s.
Ticket Prices
For group bookings of 10+, please call Box office on (02 8918 3400) or email boxoffice@ensemble.com.au
Prices correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice.
| 2024 SINGLE TICKETS | PREVIEWS | IN SEASON |
|---|---|---|
| FULL PRICE | $83 | $88 |
| SENIOR CARD | $80 | $85 |
| PENSIONER | $76 | $81 |
| GROUP 10 - 19 | $76 | $81 |
| GROUP 20+ | $71 | $76 |
| 30 OR UNDER | $40 | $43 |
| FULL-TIME STUDENT | $40 | $43 |
| MEAA/AWG | $40 | $43 |
| SCHOOL GROUPS | $25 | $25 |
Reviews
★★★★ "a timeless, darkly comic and brilliantly written study of human foibles." Limelight
★★★★ “An absorbing and entertaining evening” Stage Noise
"Benefactors is a dazzling puzzle of a play” Sydney Morning Herald
★★★★★ "Some of the best acting you'll see on a Sydney stage this year, not to mention the funniest!” Theatre Thoughts
“Completely organic and effortless” Suzy Goes See
“gut-wrenching comedy” Stage Whispers
"intellectually stimulating and emotionally charged experience” The Plus Ones
“For two hours, I couldn’t keep my eyes off them.” Sydney Arts Guide
“Benefactors is both a wonderful evening’s entertainment, and an invitation to return to further explore its extraordinary richness.” Theatre Red
“beautifully achieved through the aesthetics and deliberation of the original script, which was brought to life splendidly by the Ensemble and cast.” Theatre Travels
"BENEFACTORS sits with human behaviours on both a social and personal level” Broadway World
Cast & Creatives
Michael Frayn
Playwright
Mark Kilmurry
Director
Margaret Thanos
Assistant Director
Gareth Davies
as David
Megan Drury
as Sheila
Matt Minto
as Colin
Emma Palmer
as Jane
Nick Fry
Set & Costume Designer
Matt Cox
Matt’s career in theatre has spanned 15 years designing lighting in both Australia and the UK.
During his time in London, Matt worked with student directors attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and John Stahl’s solo show BLINDMAN. Since returning to Sydney he has designed numerous theatre productions including for Bangarra Dance Theatre: OUR Land People Stories, BLAK, BELONG. For Carriageworks: LAKE DISAPPOINTMENT. For Siren Theatre Co: THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY. For the Australian Chamber Orchestra: REFLECTIONS ON GALLIPOLI. For Musica Viva: GOLDNER STRING QUARTET. For Bell Shakespeare: HAMLET, ROMEO AND JULIET. For Monkey Baa: THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER. For Sydney Theatre Company: RUBY MOON. For Louise Withers and Associates: THE MOUSETRAP, A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED. For Company B: THE SEED. For Legs on the Wall: SYMPHONY. For Sport for Jove: THE LIBERTINE, OTHELLO, ANTIGONE. For Sydney Festival: THE FAMOUS SPIEGELTENT (2016), THE FAMOUS SPIEGELTENT (2015), THE AURORA SPIEGELTENT (2014). For the Sydney Chamber Opera: HIS MUSIC BURNS.
Matt currently tutors for the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).
David Grigg
Sound Designer
Linda Nicholls-Gidley
Dialect Coach
Isabella Kerdijk
Stage Manager
Renata Beslik
Costume SupervisorSpecial Performances
Audio Described
- Thu 13 Jul 11am
- Sat 15 Jul 3.30pm
Tactile Tours are available 1 hour prior to Audio Described performances, please contact the Box Office to book.
Q&A Session
- Fri 30 Jun 8pm
- Tue 4 Jul 11am
Free Teen
- Wed 19 Jul 7.30pm
Production Photos
Download the program
Discover more about BENEFACTORS with our digital program. It’s packed full of info about the show including a note from Artistic Director Mark Kilmurry, cast and creative bios, plus photos and more!