
THE FLEA
by JAMES FRITZ
4 February – 8 March 2025
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE, PRESENTED AS PART OF MARDI GRAS+
“You’re going to tell the police that the future king was frequenting a gay brothel? They’ll ruin you.”
London, 1889. Charlie Swinscow, a young post office worker, gets busted with 14 shillings in his pocket.
But the twist? He didn’t steal it. That cash was payment for his body. Sold to a wealthy aristocrat at a secret gay brothel with ties to the Royal Family.
What starts as a petty arrest spirals into something much bigger. Charlie and his mother get caught in the middle of a national scandal that shakes the very foundations of the British Empire.
This is a wild, unfiltered, unpredictable trip through power, deception and disgrace. Raw, funny and sexy, in this true story about the notorious Cleveland Street Scandal, nothing is what it seems and everything feels like a fever dream.
This isn’t history; it’s a whole vibe. Get ready for the ride.
“Gloriously surreal” Time Out
Please note: this production contains smoking, theatrical haze, coarse language, simulated violence, adult themes, sudden loud noises and flashing lights.
creative team
Director & Designer Patrick Kennedy
Assistant Director Luke Visentin
Lighting Designer Topaz Marlay-Cole
Associate Set Designer Tom Bannerman
Stage Manager Hermione Bathurst
ASMs Lara Kyriazis, Harry Peters
LX/SX Operator Nathaniel Pernecita
cast
James Collins
Sofie Divall
Samuel Ireland
Jack Elliot Mitchell
Mark Salvestro
dates/times
Previews Tue 4 Feb & Wed 5 Feb 7:30pm
Opening Night Thu 6 Feb 7:30pm
Thu – Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm
No performance Sat 1 March
Sat 8 March 2pm only
Running time: 2 hours and 40 minutes including one interval of 20 minutes
Please note: latecomers will be admitted at a suitable break in the performance
tickets
Full $37
Concessions, Groups (6+) $32
New Theatre Members $25
Mardi Gras Members $25
Thrifty Thursdays $25
Previews $20
(plus booking & transaction fees)
Patrons please note: New Theatre is now EFTPOS-only
at Front of House for both ticket and bar sales.

Main image: AI composite © New Theatre
Production images: © Chris Lundie