Feature

Hello and welcome! Today, we’re happy to introduce the dynamic duo behind “You’re No Good”, Melina and Cat. Join us as they take us through the journey of their upcoming show, exploring the layers of mother-daughter relationships amidst the bittersweetness of grief and laughter.

About Cat Holder and Melina Wylie

Why did you want to create this work?

Cat: After Mel’s mum and my dad passed away a few years ago, we realised they shared a birthday, and saw that as a sign! We wanted to create a show that explored the grief of losing your parent, and particularly when you had a tumultuous up and down relationship with them. Sometimes the things that bugged you the most about a parent, become the things you miss the most when they’re gone.

Melina: I have always had an interest in the mother / daughter relationship, the complexity and messiness, but it wasn’t until after my mum died, that I could laugh about how chaotically comical mothers and daughters can be with each other. I wanted to explore that relationship.

What was the process of creating the work?

Melina: I came to Cat with this idea of doing a mother daughter show, but didn’t know what form that might take. It was first developed for La Mama explorations in 2022 as a 2 hander, and after a residency with Geelong Arts Centre, where we were lucky to be mentored by Susie Dee, we turned it into a 1 woman show.

Cat: Before writing a single word of the script, Mel and I would chat about our parents, the things we loved, the things we hated, and the rollercoaster of emotions after they passed. The character of Alice (the mother) has changed quite drastically from the first version, and I’m proud of how we have been able to create Linda as a messy, complex and authentic woman.

Is this a biographical work?

Cat: Yes and No, there are some moments based on our relationships (with either my dad and Mel’s mum and mother out law), little quirks they had; like playing songs on repeat, or cooking the same meal for a month straight. And while some of it is based on reality, we used a lot of creative license. After the first version of the work, my mum said “I hope that’s not based on me!”.

Melina: We took an inch, and we ran a mile. In a way yes, there is truth to a lot of the moments, as it is based on personal stories, but the stories have been dramatised and changed along the way. You’ll have to come along and make up your own mind about what you think is real or not.

What do you love most about the show?

Melina: I love how relatable the themes are to so many people, and we’ve been really humbled by the positive audience reception. Also, it’s been so much fun in the rehearsal process, despite the heavy content of the show, Cat and I are always having a laugh.

Cat: I love the characters, particularly Linda, and it was really interesting and exciting to figure out her voice and who she is as a person. I love working with Mel, and I think she has done a great job of bringing both Linda and Alice to life, showing all sides of their personalities, even the grotesque.

What do you hope audiences will take away from the show?

Melina: To remember to call their mum. Also, to not take life so seriously, remember there is always someone going through what you’re going through.

Cat: I want people to leave with a sense of catharsis, and know that the grieving process comes in waves. Ultimately, I want people to have a good time, leave with that warm feeling that can only come when you’ve shared an experience with a room full of strangers, in the dark, in a theatre. If I can have made people laugh and cry during the show, then I’ll feel like I’ve done my job as director!

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

To book tickets to You’re No Good, please visit https://www.eventfinda.com.au/2026/youre-no-good/melbourne/carlton.

Thank you so much, Cat and Melina, for sharing the backstory behind your show, “You’re No Good.” We wish you all the best for opening night. Break a leg!

Other interviews can be viewed in our Meet The Performer Series.

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