Top Coat

Don't miss this chaotic and outrageous body-swap comedy that gives the issues of our time a much-needed makeover.

25 Jun - 6 Aug 2022

Wharf 1 Theatre

The Play

“Theatrical and entertaining... a gleeful celebration of humanity, even as it is kicking a high-heel into racism’s crutch.” The Sydney Morning Herald

TOP COAT

by Michelle Law
Directed by Courtney Stewart

Walk a mile in her pedicure

What happens when a Chinese-Australian manicurist switches bodies with a white, latte sipping, TV executive? A chaotic and outrageous comedy awaits!

From the hilarious and politically-charged wit of Michelle Law – one of our most exciting playwrights and the creator of Belvoir’s Single Asian Female and SBS’s Homecoming Queens – comes this irreverently funny new comedy that pulls no punches in exploring race, representation, privilege, and taking woke culture to task.

Dreaming of one day owning her own salon, the headstrong and determined Winnie (played by Kimie Tsukakoshi) spends her days buffing the manicures of her demanding, oblivious and mostly-white clientele. One such client is Kate (Amber McMahon), a glamorous high-flyer who is very assured of her progressive credentials.

When a mysterious electrical event at the nail salon means Kate and Winnie wake up in each other’s bodies, all hell breaks loose  and both women are forced to see the world, and their places in it, from entirely new angles.

Directed by STC’s Directing Associate Courtney Stewart, Top Coat gives the issues of our time a much-needed makeover and mounts a hilarious satire of Australia’s media landscape.

Approx. duration 80 mins (no interval). Subject to change. More info.
Content Themes of racial prejudice, strong language. Subject to change. More info.

Top Coat was commissioned with the assistance of the Malcolm Robertson Foundation.

VISITOR SAFETY INFORMATION

This production will proceed at 100% capacity. The safety of our audiences, artists and staff is of paramount importance. We’ve implemented extensive safety and hygiene measures which are regularly updated in line with NSW Government guidelines. This is an evolving situation and our COVID-19 safety protocols are subject to change. Please check the most up-to-date Visitor Safety Measures prior to your visit.

TICKET INFORMATION

Book an Act 2 ticket package of 2 or more plays to save on tickets, pay no fees and more.

Book-now-button-185-37

Single tickets to this play are on sale now.

Season Ticket prices
Saturday evening A Reserve $66
Adult A Reserve $66
Seniors cardholder $66
Pensioner/Student $66
Under 30 $44
Preview $44

Mini Package prices
Friday & Saturday $70
Adult $70
Seniors cardholder $70
Pensioner/Student $70
Under 30 $46
Preview $46

Single tickets
Mon – Thu performances
Adult A Reserve $74
Adult B Reserve $70
Adult C Reserve $59
Seniors card holder $74
Concession $74
Under 30 $49

Fri & Sat performances
A Reserve $74
B Reserve $70
C Reserve $59

Preview performances
All tickets $49

Transaction fees may apply
Season Ticket & Mini Package bookings: no fees
Single ticket bookings: $8.50 online; $8 telephone; $0 Box Office counter

Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.

DATES

Previews 25 – 29 Jun 2022
Season 1 Jul – 6 Aug 2022

Performance start times
Preview performances 7.30pm
In-season evening performances Mon & Tue 6.30pm; Wed – Sat 7.30pm
Matinee performances Wed 1pm; Sat 1.30pm

Approx. duration 80 mins (no interval). Subject to change. More info.

TICKET INFORMATION

Book an Act 2 ticket package of 2 or more plays to save on tickets, pay no fees and more.

Book-now-button-185-37

Single tickets to this play are on sale now.

Season Ticket prices
Saturday evening A Reserve $66
Adult A Reserve $66
Seniors cardholder $66
Pensioner/Student $66
Under 30 $44
Preview $44

Mini Package prices
Friday & Saturday $70
Adult $70
Seniors cardholder $70
Pensioner/Student $70
Under 30 $46
Preview $46

Single tickets
Mon – Thu performances
Adult A Reserve $74
Adult B Reserve $70
Adult C Reserve $59
Seniors card holder $74
Concession $74
Under 30 $49

Fri & Sat performances
Adult A Reserve $74
Adult B Reserve $70
Adult C Reserve $59

Preview performances
All tickets $49

Transaction fees may apply
Season Ticket & Mini Package bookings: no fees
Single ticket bookings: $8.50 online; $8 telephone; $0 Box Office counter

Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.

Concession, seniors and under 30 tickets
Suitable and valid identification must be provided for collection of tickets and at the venue, such as your concession or proof of age card. Alternatively, you may email a copy of your identification to [email protected]. Please quote your booking reference number.

Access requirements
For specific access requirements, please call Box Office on (02) 9250 1777 to book your seats. More info.

Authorised ticket sellers
The only authorised ticket sellers for this event is Sydney Theatre Company. Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered valid and reliable. More info.

Director Courtney Stewart
Designer James Lew
Lighting Designer Kate Baldwin
Composer & Sound Designer Michael Toisuta
Assistant Director Tiffany Wong
Fight & Intimacy Director Nigel Poulton
Voice Coach Jennifer White

With
John Batchelor
Amber McMahon
Matty Mills
Kimie Tsukakoshi
Arisa Yura

Understudies
Mathew Cooper
Shannon Dooley
Brooke Lee

Marketing image Rene Vaile

This listing is updated as cast and creatives are confirmed in the lead-up to the production, and if there are any changes to the team. Ensure you have the most up-to-date information about each play by opting in to our enewsletter.

INSIGHT EVENTS 

We offer a range of free and ticketed events designed to give you further insight into our plays. Find out more about our Insight Events.

Pre-season Briefing
Mon 20 Jun, 6.15pm
Wharf 2 Theatre

Night with the Artists
Mon 18 Jul, post-show
Mon 25 Jul, post-show

"Theatrical and entertaining... a gleeful celebration of humanity, even as it is kicking a high-heel into racism’s crutch." The Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★ "Whether you’re looking for pure laugh-out-loud storytelling, or a prompt for reflection and conversations with those around you" Time Out 

★★★★½"Loud, frantic and utterly hyperactive, Top Coat features powerhouse performances and a dazzling script by Michelle Law… Under Courtney Stewart’s sharp direction, Law’s work dazzles with a radiant, and urgent message.” Limelight

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