REVIEW: HOW TO PLOT A HIT IN TWO DAYS, the latest sucess at The Ensemble Theatre

How to see the next Aussie hit. 

The perfect recipe:

  A beloved, iconic  TV show

  Stellar, world-class performers

  The magic of the Ensemble Theatre

  A brilliant, visionary writer

  You, the audience

Director, Lee Lewis, brings Melanie Tait’s new work to the ensemble theatre. The world premiere of HOW TO WRITE A HIT IN TWO DAYS. 

A Country Practice, with over 1,000 episodes, remains one of Australia’s most cherished TV milestones—a soap opera with the soul of a dramatic masterpiece. A shining character was Molly, played by Anne Tenney, the 1980s icon who captured the nation’s heart. But what happens when Tenney wants to move on to new performance pastures?

Tait’s play dives into the writers’ room, where the creative team grapples with crafting Molly’s exit, an event that will ripple through Australian TV and culture. Do they kill her off, leave the door open for a return, or keep it ambiguous? No spoilers here, but the choices they wrestle with are as profound as they are entertaining.

Tait, a self-professed A Country Practice devotee, masterfully blends humour and depth to explore this pivotal moment. The play examines not just the writers’ creative process but also their responsibility to an audience that faithfully follows the show. Through their debates, we glimpse the political and ethical issues of the era—think women’s autonomy and community values—that resonate personally and collectively. It’s a love letter to the show and a meditation on the power of storytelling.

The cast is a knockout. Georgie Parker delivers a masterclass as Judy, the scriptwriter whose recitation of Molly’s exit scene is simply sublime. Genevieve Lemon’s commanding presence as Dell transcends the stage, pulling you into her world. Sean O’Shea’s layered, comedic Bert is a joy, while Julia Robertson nearly steals the show as Sally, the medical advisor, with a scene that’s an emotional gut-punch. Amy Ingram’s Sharon embodies the jovial Aussie spirit, rounding out an ensemble where every actor shines.

Simone Romaniuk’s set design nails the 1980s writers’ room vibe—cosy, functional, and nostalgic. Michael Brockman’s warm, clever lighting brings the story to life, enhancing the emotional beats.

Director Lee Lewis weaves Tait’s script, this extraordinary cast, and the creative team into a seamless triumph. Her vision ensures the play balances humour, heart, and social commentary, making it both a tribute to A Country Practice and a bold new work.

HOW TO WRITE A HIT IN TWO DAYS is a must-see for fans of Australian television and theatre lovers alike. It’s a reminder of the stories that shape us and the writers who dare to wield that power. Get your tickets—you won’t want to miss this hit.

PS, even though I am of that era, I have never seen an episode of A Country Practice

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