The Notorious Mrs Kelly

by Terri Brabon

QAPF Support Material

Open Excerpts of The Notorious Mrs Kelly (Written by Terri Brabon)

Open Extract of The Government Inspector by Nikolai Gogol (Adapted by Terri Brabon)

BRABON'S WRITING SPEAKS DIRECTLY TO THE HEART OF REGIONAL AUDIENCES.

“For the past ten years or so I have been fortunate enough to experience – and continually review – the sterling work and developments of Townsville’s TheatreiNQ. Quite frankly, this company has developed a model for regionally-based professional theatre work that excels in its work, training and education.” — ArtsHub review of Blood Will Have Blood [artshub.com.au]

“A regional company is about the presence of the community in the company.” — ArtsHub, What regional theatre needs to thrive [artshub.com.au]

CULTURE COUNTS COMMENTS - BLOODY MARY by Terri Brabon

"Bloody Mary was absolutely fabulous - convincing telling of the story told with crystal clarity, with just the most satisfying balance of drama and perfectly witty; excellent timing. The messaging about contemporary matters and issues was clearly expressed and spot on! So glad TheatreiNQ is here in Townsville!"

I believe that TheatreiNQ is an outstanding professional Theatre company. They are extremely talented and give so much back to the community and especially the youth of Townsville wanting a future in the so very important arts community.

I have never in the 12 years or so that TheatreiNQ has produced on shoestrings the most amazing productions always unique, let alone the playwriting of Terri Brabon and her acting, directing skills. Not to mention Brendan O'Connor and the whole ensemble, with Ex Bridge kids being guest actors in various production.

So so lucky not to have to fly south to see good theatre.

I lived in New York City for many years and went to many Broadway and off Broadway theatre productions. I felt like I was there again with the ambiance and quality of this stage production. What a fascinating and moving evening this was!!

We travelled from the Burdekin to attend, and although tough with distance, we will do this as often as possible to see the work of this theatre.

It was a moving, enjoyable and educational show. So glad to see a show written locally that was world class!

As usual the performance quality was great, but the play itself was extraordinary. Complex, clear, innovative, emotional, funny and enlightening. This play deserves to be performed the world over.

I have attended many TheatreiNQ productions, all good, but this one was the best I have seen.

The whole production was fantastic, but on this occasion, a big thank you goes to Terri for writing this thoughtful play and delivering such a compelling performance. The tones, the words, the colours, the choreography of the play were perfect.

Terri's generosity comes through everybody's performance. I always marvel at how lucky we are to have such talented people in Townsville.

I became addicted to Terri's genius in her rendition of The Taming of Shrew many moons ago and has never disappointed since...this is a healthy addiction I can gladly leave with.

Probably my favourite TheatreiNQ production to date - the interplay between Elizabeth and Mary was breathtaking. There was so much thought and research put into the play - the inclusion of certain lines which the characters said themselves historically was phenomenal.

Absolutely incredible play and performance by every actor on the stage. The story and how it was portrayed was excellent.

The cast and crew (everyone involved) did an amazing job! Very talented; the whole production was very impressive.

Such emotion it gave you goosebumps. Everyone deserves recognition on a job well done.

I simply cannot stop raving about the play! I'm so pleased I attended and loved the cast.

Townsville is so lucky to have the talents of Terri, Brendan & their team producing the most amazing theatre here! This production could (should!) be on stage anywhere in the world. And we have you here. You guys are brilliant!

I would if possible attend all future productions of this company. The cast especially those playing Elizabeth and Mary were outstanding. The production stirred many emotions and kept us enthralled right to the end. Congratulations on an amazing production here in Townsville.

The production offered the opportunity for a range of age groups to be involved in the complexity of bringing a story to life. This story was presented from various perspectives that portrayed historical events with some humour as well as sensitivity. I was a little emotional at Mary's demise in the final scene and felt the intimacy of the venue and the performance of Mary had developed the audience connection beautifully. Well done all!!

Terri must be a genius to write a play of this calibre. It was intense, thought provoking and so very clever and funny. We attended on the final night and I would have definately wanted to see it again if given the opportunity.

It was very well-conceived with the adult Elizabeth as the quirky narrator.

We think you could take the show to Sydney and/or Melbourne - show the people down there the talent we have here!

All players put there all into the production.presentation could not be faulted.

We are regular attendees of theatre productions in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. This production should be touring the country - it was excellent.

What an amazing performance! Thank you for bringing together a truly wonderful and world class production I feel privileged to have attended.

All the actors were amazing, but the 2 main characters and their younger selves were just brilliant. I really enjoyed the way the story was told in the present and the past, it was so cleverly done. The recap section after interval was so entertaining and also educational - I loved it! The set was simple yet so very effective. TheatreInq did an amazing job!

A clever and thought-provoking production. The fourth wall asides from elizabeth reminded me of fleabag in tone - the humour helped relieve the weight of the subject matter and also to throw it into sharp relief at times.

I cried during the final confrontation between the sisters - so heartbreaking to see their love twisted in on itself and yet still present as a defining feature of both their lives.

Themes of what it means to be a woman and failure to be a mother equalling failure to be a woman, felt very relevant to current conversations about gender equality and trans equality. Really shaken by henry as an abusive father and his manipulation of the women in his life - a hard side of him to witness! Then seeing that reflected in both his daughters was confronting and very interesting. overall, tons to think about and digest!

I attended with two friends. We loved the production ! Terri Brabon's play was great and I saw parallels to some current social issues. I thought it had a feminist slant which I liked. She is so talented. The cast members were great and it was an absorbing play. We are so lucky to have such a talented theatre company in Townsville.

What a performance! Excellence all round. Terri's skills as a playwright were again super impressive - if performing a pre written piece this would have been outstanding but knowing it was written by a TheatreiNQ lead makes it all the more impressive.

Excellent original script, professional capable actors

When the Spanish king said he hated Mary and couldn't stand being around her, there were little gasps of pity and disbelief from people around me. Shows the audience were totally involved. Great show. Best yet!!!

I really loved this performance. I am truly amazed at how someone can sit and write something like that and make it come to life on a stage. Congratulations, I am a huge fan.

Thought-provoking. Topical in light of the Ukraine situation.

Wonderful performance‚ i just loved it! Terri you are amazing- you should be so proud!

I CAN'T SING HIGH ENOUGH IT'S PRAISES.

Bloody Mary was educational, entertaining and thought provoking. The actors were first class, costumes amazing, script fantastic.

I loved the modern twist on an historical piece. Thank you

We were in absolute awe of the entire cast & crew. Timing was absolute spot on.

Congratulations on yet another fantastic show. Townsville is very fortunate to be home to this excellent company. Thank you for your contribution to the arts and theatre.

This was the best performance I have been to in TSV. I literally can't think of another play so well done!!!! Honestly loved it and wish you would be able to continue performing for a few more weeks so I could bring my friends and family to it!

Acting was sublime! Characters were portrayed with detail & depth that lead to a strong emotional connection with the audience. Very cleverly written and told.

Couldn't get over the exceptional presentation and principal actors delivery of the story. The short interpretation at the start of second interval was also perfect.

The "Mary fairy tale" scene was historically informative and laugh aloud funny.

Loved it, one of my favourite shows I've seen. Really enjoyed how the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth was explored.

The play was amazing. Congratulations to every performer. Terri, as a playwright, is totally brilliant.

I believe Terri did a marvelous job in writing this. She is on her way to becoming a modern age Shakespeare.

An outstanding production - Terri is an extremely talented playwright and Actor. She played Mary so well. Elizabeth was amazing too as were all the actors. Totally enjoyed it from start to finish.

Honestly, this was my first experience seeing a stage play. I was absolutely blown away by the acting of everyone, so incredibly talented. But Terri takes the award for most outstanding performance by a female lead, best playwright, best everything!

Outstanding! Well written, and so very well delivered by all. Enjoyed it thoroughly and didn't want it to end!

Terri you are an amazing writer and actor .. this play was absolutely sensational and had me enthralled from start to finish. Everyone did a wonderful job. Loved Elizabeth too.. she was outstanding.

I was completely taken by the way the play had so much to say, that was relevant to myself as a modern non-royal. The commentary on our current lives, side by side such a sad tale, was truly fascinating. And the movement about the stage with simple props and stunning costumes. It was an privilege to be an audience member.

I thought the show and performances were first class.

We've recently moved from Melbourne to Maggie and it's such a relief to know there's quality theatre in town.

This was an excellent world class production. Great original storytelling and writing by Terri and the team. This company needs to be supported by Arts Queensland and other funding bodies.

This was an incredible show that would be impressive anywhere. It's inspiring that we have original theatre of this world class quality here in regional QLD. Everything from the writing to the acting to the design was wonderful.

This was a thought provoking, funny and an emotive production. The cast was outstanding! This proved once again that the most amazing theatre in the nation is here in Townsville.

This production exceeded my expectations and I don't have words to express how fabulous it was - in all aspects. I live in Cairns and will be driving to Townsville again to see more productions if the opportunity arises!

Excellent script and portrayal of two highly intelligent women constantly being played off against each other and manipulated by all the various male stakeholders. Unfortunately still relevant in today's society.

I was amazed to learn that the play was written by a local.

You continue to produce extraordinary, thought provoking work. I was so impressed.

We have enjoyed many shows by this production company but this show was the next level - I really hope you get to travel with it and share with wider audiences.

We were enthralled for 3 hours. Thank You

Bloody Mary was super impressive. We are so lucky to have a professional group here in Townsville producing high quality productions.

Absolutely brilliant show, you people do such an amazing job and we are so lucky to have so much talent in our region. Congratulations to everyone involved and keep up the great work!! :)

We are never disappointed with your productions. It is obvious that you are a very talented company. Long may you continue.

I am a dedicated theatre 'audience' and have enjoyed plays in France and some of the biggest names in London and I'd have no hesitation in recommending this company to anyone.

This was my favourite of all Theatre Inq plays I have seen so far.

The cast were absolutely amazing, the story was well written and very thought provoking. There was a lot of skill involved in creating the mood of the show and I enjoyed it immensely.

Terri Brabon is brilliant - her performance moved me to tears. The way the audience was taken to younger versions of Mary and Elizabeth was very well done.

I really love the restoring of history to see through the feminist lens.

Keep up the amazing work! On par with the work we are seeing in Sydney. Time for a tour?

Absolutely blown away by the performance last night. Terri Brabon is a POWERHOUSE, Holy Dooley. I was on the edge of my seat and had tears in my eyes on numerous occasions (laughter & sadness). The acting was INCREDIBLE (Terri again, fantastic), so incredible, and it was soooooo well written- witty, funny, interesting, wonderful emotional range, tender, thought provoking.

This is my first theatre experience in Townsville and I will be following Terri's future works very closely.

An outstanding production. Should be repeated and made into a movie.

We are so fortunate to have TheatreiNQ, Terri and Brendan and the whole team in Townsville, with the Bridge program to support it and others who may have moved on, quite keen to return when asked to be involved in a particular performance.

Well done everyone and I think we are very lucky to have Terri in Townsville.

Thank you for supporting local artists to perform and learn their craft

A professional production in every aspect. thoroughly enjoyable. Townsville is very lucky to have TheatreiNQ as part of the town's theatrical / artistic landscape.

Thank you so much for this wonderful production. It exceeded expectations and made me cry it was so evoking. we are so lucky to have such epic talent here in Townsville.

I commend Terri, Brendan and their team for continuing to aspire to and to present high quality productions that showcase locally bred talent. I would like Theatre INQ to be incorporated into a funding stream that supports and guarantees their future as a North Queensland treasure.

So great to see the story from the perspective of the personal relationship between the 2 sisters.

This production was so moving that it will stay close to my heart for a lifetime. I greatly appreciate the effort and talent it takes to create such art in our remote part of the world. It is vital to the quality of our lives here.

I found the play gripping and emotional. I loved it. Had a few tears at the end.

Amazing original work and outstanding performances. Thank you.

Excellent. I have been raving to friends about it. The mixture of idioms and genres was bold but confident and successful.

The costumes were stunning and so evocative of the era. Loved the projections on the set, and central curved space for extra dramatic effect. The lively choreography of the court ladies/servants added dynamic energy. I was particularly impressed with the idea (and execution, wow) of the 'marble' floor, which instantly conjured up spacious palaces.

We are lucky to have a theatre company like TheatreiNQ here in Townsville.

Such a brilliant production. Terri you have crafted a fantastic play describing the life of two historic female queens. A production worth touring to our southern cousins.

Loved the way modern references and language were part of the show. Eg. Reference to 'spare' etc.

Thank you so much for giving such high quality performances like this to Townsville.

The play is very good. I had many good laughs and quite a number of little cries. Not one slack moment, or a second of boredom.

Terri, Brendan and the rest of the TheatreiNQ team never let us down. You know if you go to one of their productions you are going to see top class entertainment.

Our group really loved the performance, and we all brought different perspectives to it, and took something different away.

Well done in putting that script together. It was funny, thought provoking and highly entertaining.

Script was compelling and high lighted a gap in English Reformation history. The acting was outstanding. Production was well designed and period looking. Sound and lighting was emotive and appropriate. I loved it.

At first i was puzzled about why you chose this subject matter. But after getting completely engrossed in the story, and going home and re reading the story i completely understand why you chose this.

BRABON REFRAMES WOMEN BACK INTO THE HISTORY BOOKS.

“One of history’s lesser known figures, Mary Tudor, the first regent queen of England, gets her time in the spotlight.” — ArtsHub review of Bloody Mary [artshub.com.au]

“She looks at one of history’s lesser known (and perhaps misunderstood) figures – Mary I, Henry VIII’s elder daughter and England’s first regent queen.” — ArtsHub review of Bloody Mary [artshub.com.au]

“On one level, this play works as a depiction of historical fact, but Brabon’s intuitive writing and direction has delved much deeper to pose questions about Mary’s character, feelings and motivations.” — ArtsHub review of Bloody Mary [artshub.com.au]

“When one looks at the historical facts about Mary, it is easy to see that she could be portrayed as a victim.” — ArtsHub review of Bloody Mary [artshub.com.au]