A daring ode to the power of fierce female friendships

Trauma bonding finds a home in this bold two-hander from actors who clearly have the training and technique required to captivate an audience. In the delicate hands of two brave young performers, potentially triggering themes are handled with care, and just the right amount of dark humour to execute a remarkable piece of theatre which left this writer in floods of tears.

Opening nights are fraught with danger, nerves and technical issues can derail a finely honed show. The actors and crew deserve accolades for a bold show to an intimate audience at The Breakout at The Mill.

However, the audience are delighted and enthralled by Claire and Elisabeth navigating the chaotic Sydney streets as the city prepares to welcome in the year 2000. Decked out in classic late 90s garb, on the cusp of adulthood, Claire and Elisabeth connect through shared trauma, fierce determination and a visceral desire to escape from their fractured lives.

A sparse, yet beautifully lit set offers the performers space to allow their narratives to elegantly transition as they weave their shared traumas into a finely executed tale of abuse, co-dependency and hope.

As their night unfolds, and unravels, the audience bear witness to the secrets they are fleeing. Swept away in the electricity of a night fizzing with the potential for hedonism, rebirth or perhaps destruction, the young women forge an unshakable bond which will resonate with anyone who has connected with another lost soul on their road to find themselves.

Despite a few moments which will surely be resolved as the actors lean into their roles, this was a charged piece of theatre performed with sincerity, maturity and immense bravery.

4 stars

Emily Hutchinson

Wed, 25 Feb – Sun, 08 Mar
The Breakout at The Mill
Rated M
Tickets HERE