The Weekend

A brilliant, hilarious and touching new adaptation of The Weekend, Charlotte Wood’s bestselling novel of friendship and the wisdom of age, will make its world premiere at Belvoir from 5th August until 3rd September 2023.

Described as “one of Australia’s most original and provocative writers” (The Australian), Charlotte Wood says “Watching the development of this play has been one of the great joys of my career. I could not have asked for a more brilliant combination of writer, director, actors and production people to bring my book to the stage.”

“Witnessing their imaginations and technical skills bring my characters – including a dog! – to vivid life has been an absolute thrill for me, and the result is full of laughter, poetry and devastating poignancy all at once.”

Four women have known each other for decades, and have a friendship that goes with it – good-humoured, caring, and forthright when required. But Sylvie has died, and when the remaining three come together to pack up her beach house, they find maybe they haven’t been as honest – or as good friends – as they thought.

Adele, a once-well-known actress, Wendy, a high-profile academic, and Jude, who ran one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants, learn things they should have learned years ago. There’s a difference between growing old, and growing wise.

And at the heart of it all, an old dog keeps them company, silently bearing witness to the folly of age, and the warmth of true friendship.