Sydney Theatre Company presents
In the Next Room,
or the vibrator play
by Sarah Ruhl
For the wife of the eminent scientist and inventor Dr Givings, the vagaries of the medical field have never held much allure. Until now.
Now, as the age of electricity dawns, her husband’s profession has finally piqued her interest. But Dr Givings fails to understand his wife’s sudden fascination with his practice. The remedial treatment that he administers to females suffering from hysterical disorders is an important medical invention and nothing more. The Chattanooga Vibrator is absolutely nothing for his apparently healthy, happy wife to get her bloomers in a twist about!
Unable to breastfeed her baby and desperately lonely, Mrs Givings craves attention and affection. When she seeks companionship in two of the Doctor’s patients, this curious young woman begins to discover the truth of what goes on behind the closed door…
Nominated for both the Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize, In The Next Room, or the vibrator play was a resounding hit when it opened on Broadway in 2009 and consolidated playwright Sarah Ruhl’s reputation as one of America’s most exciting contemporary writers. A sensitive study of the relationship between physical connection – be it sexual, platonic or maternal – and emotional intimacy, In The Next Room, or the vibrator play is an utterly beguiling play about love, longing, science and invention.
After the success of her 2009 production Elling, Pamela Rabe has donned her director’s hat once again to direct this charming comedy. Pamela has assembled a stellar cast that will be headed up by Jacqueline McKenzie, making a welcome return to Sydney Theatre Company after an eight-year absence.
2 hours and 45 minutes, including interval
Venue: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Tickets for this production are available as part of a 2011 Season Ticket.
In The Next Room, or the vibrator play is playing in Melbourne, Canberra, Wollongong and Parramatta - click here for details.
Reviews
"The cast is superb ... Marvellous, thoughtful entertainment." - The Australian
"...this is theatre of exceptional quality and broad appeal." The Sydney Morning Herald
"**** an absolute delight.... Definitely one to catch. You owe yourself the pleasure." TimeOut Sydney
"9/10 ...a sumptuously entertaining night in the theatre. Highly recommended." The Sun Herald
" **** ...an absolute delight: playfully, cheekily funny, yet also touching.... deliciously entertaining theatre." The Sunday Telegraph
Your Say
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Thoroughly enjoyed the play which was funny, the acting and directing were excellent and you walked out of the theatre knowing you had been entertained. Hope this is the standard for the 2011 Main Stage. - Robyn
I saw this play on opening night and loved it. It was one of the most entertaining STC plays I have seen and both the casting and performances were excellent. I've been recommending it to everyone I know. Well done to the director and cast! - Emily
We thoroughly enjoyed the play as there were lots of laughs with a great cast. The audience left with smiles and laughter. - Lisa
"In the Next Room" was one of the most entertaining plays we have seen in a while. A little "saucy", very funny, and never loses your interest; a really great evening of entertainment. Story, acting, and execution were all superb. - Peter
Our subsciption group thoroughly enjoyed the play. I especially enjoyed seeing Jacqueline McKenzie on the stage again. Great cast, great production, great well written play with that wonderful balance of humour and seriousness. - Susan
Unfortunately I did not enjoy 'the vibrator play', the first play of our 2011 Season tickets, and with my friend left at intermission. When going to the theatre (or Opera, Ballet, Chamber or Symphony concert) I hope to be entertained, enthralled, informed or perhaps enchanted but with this particular performance by the first 8-10 minutes the gist of the subject matter was exhausted (in our opinion). That having been said we found the performances excellent as well as the staging etc. Leaving early followed by an early dinner allowed me to have a relatively early night considering that I commute from regional NSW. We look forward to our next engagement with the STC which will be Zebra and we still adore and support, without question, the STC. All plays cannot appeal to all people! - Luise
What a fabulous play! It had alot of surprises, plenty of laugh out loud moments and some sad truths. Loved the ending too. - Stephanie
It was wonderful to be so totally entertained. A great laugh, but some real drama and pathos there as well. All the performances were top class. What a great play. - Lindy
A fabulous, funny, thought provoking, and beautifully performed play! I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and would recommend it to anyone capable of leaving any antiquated prudishness at the door. It is not a 'vibrator play', but a story about love, loneliness and liberation in a very repressed era. And such a sweet ending - the couple that left at intermission really missed out and probably could have learned something! - Michelle
