Presented by Griffin Theatre Company in association with Old Fitz Theatre. A Green Door Theatre Company production. Written by Iolanthe and directed by Ian Michael
Unapologetic, loud, enthusiastic, hilarious, and effervescent, Sistren is a show to see and feel energised in experiencing
Reviewed by Grace Ackary
The Old Fitz, Woolloomooloo
Season 26 June – 12 July 2025
Tickets: https://welcome.griffintheatre.com.au/overview/4511
Type: Unapologetic, Bildungsroman, New Work
If You Liked: seven methods of killing Kylie Jenner, Heartbreak High
You walk into Sistren at the Old Fitz and the room is pink. Pink walls, pink chairs, shaggy pink tables. Music plays and everyone mills about, enjoying the atmosphere. What exactly are we in for?
The show starts with a voice-over from one of the lead actresses; the audience is invited to completely be themselves, interact with the show how they want, in the way that they want…and no one is to tell them not to. You feel that warm energy, and the space is happily assured as one that is safe and welcoming. An excellent way to begin a theatre show.
This feeling of safety and connection is built upon wonderfully by the confidence and assuredness of the lead actresses Iolanthe and Janet Anderson. If they want the audience to be themselves, they well and truly lead by example. These characters are unapologetic, loud, enthusiastic, hilarious, and effervescent.
The show itself is about two teenage girls who are best friends and have been for a very long time. Iolanthe, the show’s writer, has managed to create a character dynamic that shines a sparkling light on that tulmutuous side of teenage hood that is the good part of those years. They explore that full-bodied excitement you can feel with your best friends as you begin to discover who you are, what you like and how you fit into the world. There is a sense of play in that ‘over-the-top’ enthusiasm and individuality that can begin to show itself when given the chance.
On the other side of things, there are emotions that are not experienced as easily. The fights, anger, and sadness that can feel inescapable during those years is inescapable. At one key moment, the audience more closely resembled a tennis-match crowd: heads whipping quickly between the two sides of the stage as the girls engaged in an exchange full of turmoil and frustration.
…the women onstage are nuanced, difficult, uncomfortable at times, vivacious at others, and insanely entertaining always. It is bold and refreshing
This is what the show does excellently; the women onstage are nuanced, difficult, uncomfortable at times, vivacious at others, and insanely entertaining always. It is bold and refreshing. We are invited to not like them at points, to be disappointed in them at others, and the result is a theatre show that is incredibly refreshing, and gut-punching in its honesty. We love these characters, feel safe with them, and therefore are fully able to go on the emotional journey with them. The moments of vulnerability are well and truly earned.
There is a real satisfaction in the stage craft of this show, led by director Ian Michael. The girls dance atop tables to pumping club music and smoke atop rooftops to the distant sirens of South London, aided by the sound design of Daniel Herten. They mimic memes projected behind them with video designed by TK Abioye, and effortlessly transition between a myriad of characters, assisted by voice and accent coach Angela Sullen.
There is much to be enjoyed here and to entertained by in Sistren. You’ll be sure to leave energised amongst the thrall of emotions, vulnerability and honesty displayed comedically on stage.
Theatre Thought: The reflective nature of teenagehood can be marred in emotional memory. It’s a delight to see the joyful colours shine through in the progression to womanhood
Cast and Creative Team
Playwright: Iolanthe
Director: Ian Michael
Dramaturg: Dylan Van Den Berg
Producers: Leila Enright, Bernadette Fam, Janine Lau
Cast (of 2): Janet Anderson, Iolanthe
