Type: Coming-of-Age, Queer Theatre
If You Liked: Heartstopper, Puberty Blues, Blue Heelers
There is always something special, albeit terrifying, about seeing a new work premiere at a fringe festival, far more than at a mainstage theatre. Here, the decision to mount a new work is often made by the same individual that wrote it, so the audience are completely at the mercy of a single individual’s taste. In this instance, it’s Siren Theatre Co’s Kate Gaul with her new show, Eden.
Fear not dear reader, it was an absolute treat. In fact, it’s an outstanding new piece of Australian writing, which feels both utterly timeless and extremely evocative of the haze of the late 70s and early 80s. Infused with lush visual imagery of unforgiving ancient rivers and green brown leaves, gorgeous storytelling and youthful queer euphoria, I’d safely posit this show has a substantial life ahead of it.
Gaul’s slice of life script weaves itself around the streets and rivers of an unnamed regional Australian town as two women learn about the darker sides of their home lives, and grapple with their evolving feelings for each other. That said, the piece doesn’t feel the need to overfeed us or overexplain things, a delicate balance has been struck between what to show and what to tell, far better than many of the new shows at this year’s fringe.
Dual leading actresses Lara Lightfoot and Karrine Kannan are beyond captivating, seamlessly sharing several dozen peripheral characters between them, part in thanks to vocal coach Rosalind Nugent. Their chemistry is hypnotic as our protagonists Dan and Kit. The tension they hold together is palpable as their characters’ innocence falls away in the unfolding story and the darker factions of the small town are unspooled.
Gaul’s intricate direction, simple set and a refined technical design make good use of the small fringe space. If I have one complaint it’s the show’s run time of around the 45 minute mark. I left yearning to have spent just a little more time with the community of characters, but as I have no doubt in my next viewing (and there will be one) Gaul will have had time to flesh the show out further.
Gaul, and Siren Theatre, are preeminent treasures in the Australian arts ecology, and they have delivered a new and exciting piece of work into the canon. I would not be shocked if you find it on a stage or screen near you soon. If you do, see it.
See our other reviews from the Adelaide Fringe Festival in the link below
Tickets and Practical Info for Eden at Adelaide Fringe Festival 🎟️
Siren Theatre Co, The Courtyard of Curiosities (as part of Adelaide Fringe)
17 – 22 March, 7.40pm
via adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/eden-af2026
Sydney Season QTOPIA SYDNEY
The Substation 7 – 18 April, 7.30pm
Tickets: https://tickets.qtopiasydney.com.au/Events/Eden/Tue-Apr-7-2026-19-30
