I went to sleep with my face aching from all the smiling and laughter. As someone who laughs a lot, it takes a great night out for me to feel it in my cheeks!
The Irish Theatre Players were clearly proud to present Elaine Murphy’s Shush, directed by Denise Byrne, at the gorgeous Old Mill Theatre.
I have so many good things to say about this show. The actors were sharp, funny, and oh-so relatable. The set design and costumes were simple yet effective. The theatre itself is lovely, and thank you to everyone involved for making the whole audience feel so welcomed. I’ve never been to a show where tea and biscuits are served at intermission (that is absolutely my kind of show!) or where there is a raffle. We were made to feel like family.
I’m not sure whether to describe it as a show full of life lessons—the suggestions of “gutting him from here to here,” the various proposals of ending him through other ill-fated means, burying problems under copious amounts of alcohol, or simply letting the expletives fly—this show truly has something for everyone....ok, maybe not everyone, but everyone I know.
The relatability was constant. It felt like a night in with my aunties (which may say more about my family than it should). The premise is simple: an unplanned girls’ night in to celebrate the birthday of Breda, who is going through a tough time. The five friends share laughter, tears, and those small but meaningful moments that only happen when women come together. The familiar beats kept coming—from the dread when the doorbell rings and your house is a mess (apparently Breda has been known to spray Mr Sheen in the air and call it done; I’ve been known to keep a mop bucket by the door, spritz some lavender, and say, “Oh, you just caught me—I was about to mop…”) to the friend who prides herself on brutal honesty. “If I can’t tell it like it is, who will?” No one. A true friend keeps their mouth shut and politely pretends not to notice the weight gain or the dust bunnies. Don’t get me started on the friend who always says the wrong thing—never on purpose, but hilarious nonetheless - I'm still trying to work out what Irene was taking the medication for, I'm almost certain it wasn't actually for her prostate!
For all the humour and chaos, there are moments that are raw and heart-breaking. Despite the number of gaffs with incorrect words, when Irene shared her experiences after losing her husband, the emotion was palpable.
I overheard a comment at intermission where an audience member said, “I’m really enjoying it, but I’m not sure where it’s going,” and the reply was, “It might not be going anywhere.” Honestly, that audience member was probably onto something. It doesn’t exactly go anywhere—and that’s the beauty of it.
Shush isn’t a play driven by plot twists or grand revelations. Instead, it unfolds gently, allowing the small, truthful moments of women’s lives to take centre stage. The absence of high drama feels intentional; it’s in the quiet sharing of stories that the play finds its depth. These conversations—funny, raw, and deeply familiar—invite the audience to reflect on their own experiences without ever feeling lectured or directed.
And it’s worth noting how wonderful it is to see a female playwright, a female director, and an all-female cast bring this tapestry of interwoven, cross-generational stories to life. The production feels genuinely grounded in women’s voices—authentic, unforced, and beautifully real.
I absolutely loved it. Thank you for bringing us this show!
Shush is showing at Old Mill Theatre:
November 13. 14, 15, 20 and 21 at 7.30pm
November 15, 16, and 22 at 1.30pm
To book tickets to Shush, please visit https://www.taztix.com.au/irishtheatreplayers/.
