David Williamson and Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre love each other. Whenever, Williamson pens a new play, he usually showcases it at the Ensemble. This time the Kirribilli-based theatre company, have resurrected a 1980s play, ‘Top Silk’. Interestingly a star from the 1989 production at Seymour Centre, Tina Bursill, was in the opening night audience. The playwright himself, David Williamson, was also in-attendance. I saw the original production, so felt a buzz of expectation as I entered the auditorium.
Jane Fredericks (Rachel Gordon) is a passionate legal aid solicitor who finds herself in a potentially tricky situation when she agrees to help an old flame from school days, Eddie (Jeremy Waters). Jane and Eddie grew up in Albury, but have taken much different paths. Jane’s father was determined for her to pursue a legal career in Sydney, whilst Eddie still has Albury connections. When Jane and Eddie meet again, it’s an awkward reunion. Jane is embarrassed by her once-snobbishness towards her former boyfriend and wants to make amends. Eddie is a small-time drug dealer, but is a facing a big gaol sentence. If Jane does get involved, there are immediate repercussions for her career and marriage to flashy barrister, Trevor (Nicholas Brown), who is intent on entering politics. Trevor Fredericks is a champagne socialist. We learn that he oversaw the eviction of housing commission tenants from a prime harbourside location, so the developers could move in. Trevor doesn’t want that issue to gain traction, as he seeks to be the Labor Party’s next Premier. An influential right-wing, media-mogul, Paul Bradley (Thomas Campbell), can give Trevor political expediency.
The growing chasm between the Fredericks is further tested by their differing parenting styles. Their son, Mark (Samir Nasser) is struggling academically, despite being at a posh private school. Trevor keeps paying for relentless bouts of tutoring sessions for Mark, but nothing seems to click. Jane, just wants her son to be happy and pursue his own dreams. Mark wears his Greenpeace t-shirt, to show that he is focused on the planet, not himself.
In typical Williamsonesque-style, as Trevor’s political aspirations reach full throttle, Jane’s association with Eddie, attracts the attention of power-broker, Tony Turner (Jamie Oxenbould). Turner threatens to expose Jane’s association with Eddie, as a way of derailing Trevor’s ambitions. However, Jane has a secret of her own to expose. After a brief affair with Turner, he pressured her to have an abortion. A stance that is in direct contradiction to his pro-life platform.
The play certainly gathers momentum in the second act. As the judge (Thomas Campbell) presides over Eddie’s case, the audience feels like they have been transported into a Downing Centre courtroom. The scene ends on a high (pun intended), as Eddie faces his fate. Jane and Trevor also face the fate of their marriage.
This 2026 staging of ‘Top Silk’, is a slick production. Mark Kilmurry being a devotee of David Williamson, has directed this play with obvious enthusiasm. Rachel Gordon is beguiling as Jane Fredericks. Gordon brings such warmth and likeability to the role. Nicholas Brown is utterly believable as the self-absorbed, Trevor Fredericks. He is in full bluster as the play reaches its climax. Samir Nasser as Mark brings authenticity. Samir has that star-is-born aura about him. Thomas Campbell relishes his role as the smug media mogul and is equally convincing as the experienced judge. Jamie Oxenbould brings a devilish quality to the shifty power-broker, Tony Turner. Laurence Coy rounds out the cast and is particularly adept as the crusty prosecutor. Williamson plays often sell-out at Ensemble, so book early!
To book tickets to Top Silk, please visit https://www.ensemble.com.au/shows/top-silk/.
Photographer: Prudence Upton
