IN THE NEXT ROOM,
OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY

By SARAH RUHL

22 April – 17 May 2025

“A flick of the finger – On, off, on off! We shall be like gods!”

In the spa town of Saratoga Springs, shortly after the end of the American Civil War and at the dawn of electricity, trailblazing GP Dr Givings specializes in gynaecological disorders.

His treatment of women suffering from ‘hysteria’ involves a revolutionary new ‘massage device’ that produces a ‘paroxysm’.

Lonely and sexually frustrated, his young wife Catherine befriends one of her husband’s patients and becomes increasingly fascinated by his electrical-powered instruments, and the strange sounds emanating from ‘the next room’.

This clever, funny, profoundly thoughtful play throws a feminist light on the emotional and physical neglect endured by women in a male-dominated society.

“This brilliant play is, to put it mildly, an eye-opener!” The Guardian

Patrons please note: this production features sexual content and theatrical haze, and is recommended for ages 15+

CREATIVE TEAM

Director Emma Whitehead
Lighting Designer Alicia Badger
Costume Designer Hugo Fraser
Set Designer Tom Bannerman
Assistant Set Designer Paris Bell
Props, Set & Costume Coordinator Annette van Roden
Dramaturg & Intimacy Coordinator Sonya Kerr
Lighting Programmer & Tech Atlas Andrews
Stage Manager Jade Dunleavy
Assistant Stage Manager Bianca Dreis
Assistant Stage Manager Sophie Aloi

CAST

Sarah Greenwood, Lisa Kelly
Lewis McLeod, Alyona Popova
Ruva Shoko, Riley Thomas
Luke Visentin

DATES/TIMES

Previews Tue 22 Apr & Wed 23 Apr 7:30pm
Opening Night Thu 24 Apr 7:30pm
Thu – Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm
Final performance Sat 17 May 2pm

Running time: 2 hrs 40 mins (inc. 20 min interval)

Please note: latecomers will be admitted at a suitable break in the performance

tickets

Full $37
Concessions, Groups (6+) $32
New Theatre Members $25
Thrifty Thursdays $25
Preview $20
(Booking and transaction fees apply)

BOOK TICKETS

DOWNLOAD THE COLOUR PROGRAM

★★★★★ “A boisterous, laugh out loud comedy … This production, directed by Emma Whitehead, really drives home the rich vein of comedy … Brilliant veteran designer Tom Bannerman’s set, Hugo Fraser’s period costumes, Jay Murrin’s sound, Alicia Badger’s lighting design, have been calibrated to give the stage action the best impact … The cast of seven are terrific … So much fun, and so well done.” Sydney Arts Guide

★★★★.5 “An hilarious and profound play … A story of love and intimacy: forbidden, requited and familial … The actors’ comedic timing was impeccable … Grab a ticket if you haven’t already.” Stage Door Podcast

★★★.5 “Sarah Ruhl’s script is piercingly witty, yet also keenly observed … Emma Whitehead directs with a deep understanding of the playwright’s intent, perfectly balancing humour with incisive commentary … Thought-provoking, entertaining and informative, and well worth a trip into Newtown.” Arts Hub

“What truly shines is its exposure of the underlying emotional and physical deprivation suffered by women within a patriarchal world … You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the power of connection… and heartfelt laughter.”Faith in Theatres

“An outstanding night. Highly recommended.” Stage Whispers

“Ostensibly a playful piece, but also painful and poignant … Come at least once. You might even want to come again.” Australian Arts Online

“Under the direction of Emma Whitehead, actors were outstanding. All gave consummate performances. With a great script and plot, drama and comedy were delivered flawlessly.” Absolute Theatre

“Director Emma Whitehead elicits some terrific performances from her cast … A wonderfully rich play.” Theatre Red