Silly Little Things by Laura Knaggs  DIR Sharnema Nougar

Review by Meredith Fuller OAM Psychologist | Author | Playwright

Silver String Productions, known for their attention to social issues sprinkled with humour, education, pathos, and great entertainment, premiered their latest play last night at the Butterfly Club 14th to 18th March 2023. This was one of my most enjoyable nights at a play this year, and I encourage you to book now. A wide age range would love this – go and see it then chat about the issues with your friends over dinner afterwards.

“If you’ve ever spent all your money on a night out, downloaded Hinge in a bid to find connection, or tried desperately to fix a fracturing friendship this show is for you.

“In no other place on earth will you find the kind of solidarity that can be found in a woman’s club bathroom.

With her world on the brink of collapse and her best friend nowhere in sight, Rosie searches for someone to fill the void and stop her from unravelling altogether. Exploring failure, anxiety, and the grief that grows within a distancing friendship, Silly Little Things tells the story of one young woman’s journey to discovering what truly matters.”

If you want an hour of fun, laughter, insight, poignancy, and empathic attunement to your current (or younger self) don’t miss this fabulous one-woman show. The audience of all genders laughed, self-recognised, and teared up at this exquisitely written and performed invitation into both the exterior and interior life of an engaging contemporary (and historical) snapshot of becoming aware.

The show (of young people to those in their 70’s) received enthusiastic applause, a testimony to the level of enjoyment and personal memories it triggered in us all.

Beautifully directed by Sharnema Nougar, this vibrant and heart-warming one-woman show is written and performed by emerging playwright Laura Knaggs.

I had seen Knaggs in 2022 at the Malthouse when she performed in ‘Caress/Ache’ by Susie Miller. What a pleasure to see her last night showcasing her multiple talents. This script was golden and I am keen for her to continue writing – no ’emerging’ playwright, she is already there as far as I am concerned.

Her acting from then to now demonstrated a sharp upward curve; by writing the script she was emboldened to portray a vast repertoire of skills. I was struck by her comedic and serious power. Her adroit capacity to demonstrate neediness, anxiety, and fearfulness was as potent as her egocentrism and sassiness. A loveable character, she maintained engagement with the audience for the entire show. Her ‘conversations’ with men, women, and her mother were priceless. References to chlamydia and koalas were hilarious.

The minimal set (one chair) worked a treat as we were able to focus on Knaggs without distraction, She conveyed an array of winsome emotions with verisimilitude.

Beautifully prepared and executed, it was obvious that Silver Strings had engaged a dramaturg (in this case, the impressive Emily O’Brien Brown, multi-talented dramaturg.)

This is one of the finest shows I have attended at The Butterfly Club.  The sound and lighting was impeccable.  Her performance provided something funny and sad for everyone to relate to; it was never mawkish or predictable, and the audience was left reminded of how life requires us to move along with authenticity and kindness. I appreciated the tight direction from Nougar. Bravo to all concerned.

Written and performed by Laura Knaggs

Directed by Sharnema Nougar

Dramaturgy by Emily O’Brien-Brown

Produced by Fiona Crombie

*Content warning: This production contains occasional coarse language and mentions of sexual acts and panic attacks.

Venue: The Butterfly Club Upstairs Theatre – 5 Carson Place (off Lt Collins), Melbourne

Date: Tuesday 14^th March – Saturday 18th March 2023

Time: 7.00 pm

Tickets: Full $37.00, Concession $33.00, Group (6+) $30.00

More information: https://thebutterflyclub.com/show/silly-little-things

LINKS:

Program – Silly Little Things

Dragged Program – Silly Little Things