Every family is different and unique; there’s no such thing as a cookie-cutter ‘perfect family’. What we can hope for in our own families, are harmonious and happy relationships. Born on a Thursday is a heartrending peeling back of the tough exterior of a mother/ daughter relationship and the deep complications that can arise in a family unit. Presented by New Ghosts Theatre at the Old Fitz Theatre, and written by Australian playwright Jack Kearney, Born on a Thursday had me hanging on to every word these characters spoke.
April (Sofia Nolan), a ballerina who had been working abroad in Denmark for some time, returns home to Western Sydney to see her Mum and younger brother. Her mum Estelle (Deborah Galanos) greets her with open hostility. She is a tough woman and has her own reasons for freezing April out with sharply worded barbs and icy stares. It’s uncomfortable to watch, so I imagine that being on the receiving end, April feels it deeply. Galanos’ portrayal of an overworked, stressed mother – harbouring resentment towards her daughter and ultimately revealing her own vulnerability – demonstrates her talent as a performer.
Isaac (Owen Hasluck) has a brain injury from a sporting incident. He is a young adult and highly dependent on his mum. Isaac is on the cusp of needing independence and feeling the frustration of being unable to communicate easily. The initial introduction onstage of Isaac was powerful. Hasluck portrays Issacs’ disability with heart wrenching accuracy with his mannerisms and muddled speech that manages to capture the depth of his character. Two scenes where he has a ‘meltdown’, one with his mum and the other with his sister, brought tears to my eyes and I am sure others in the audience felt the emotion too.
April’s reason for coming home is slowly disclosed over four seasons as the audience witness building feelings of guilt and responsibility. Nolan fully embodied her character, guiding the audience through her journey into her inner demons and the way to healing her raw pain.
Howard was played by James Lugton, Estelle’s affable neighbour. His friendship to the family brought stability and the relationship is explored through his interactions with Estelle, Isaac and April. Lugton’s portrayal of Howard was done with realistic characterisation, particularly in the tender moments, showing Howard’s heart of gold.
Although there are serious scenes in the play, there are also parts which were lighter. Estelle’s friend Ingrid (Sharon Millerchip), a gregarious extroverted woman, brought humour (and wine!) to the stage and showed that our support network of best friends can be family too.
Sound designer Sam Cheng’s music, particularly when indicating the seasonal period when the months on the calendar on the wall were being flipped up, added to the thoughtful ponderance of change. Costume designer Rita Naidu and set designer Soham Apte grounded the characters to the time period of 1998 – 1999, with a kitchen straight out of the late 90’s – I even think I owned a stove and tea towels exactly like the ones that were on set! The set was impressive by having a tap with running water. Being an avid tea lover, I certainly appreciated the cuppa always being offered between characters, and especially Howard’s turning of the teapot ritual before he poured out the tea. The working stove where April made pancakes added the perfect 4D experience and the smell of freshly made pancakes wafting out to the audience was divine! It showed that during these simple rituals of everyday life, big conversations can happen during these times.
Director Lucy Clements has brought together a cohesive team that successfully treads the fine balance that’s needed when presenting a play dealing with mental health illness, domestic violence and traumatic brain injury. Born on a Thursday is a raw and impactful play that explores family, the true priorities in life, and the need to be seen and loved for who you truly are—both by yourself and by those who care for you. I highly recommend it to gain a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people with layered lives. Book your ticket and watch Born on a Thursday in one of Sydney’s most tiny and intimate theatres – the Old Fitz!
Season run: 28 November – 21 December 2025
Run Time: 2 hours 25 minutes with a 15 minute interval
Theatre: Old Fitz Theatre 129 Dowling Street Woolloomooloo
Tickets: www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/born-on-a-thursday
To book tickets to Born On A Thursday, please visit https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/born-on-a-thursday.
Photographer: Phil Erbacher
