INTRODUCING AUNTY JUDE
''Like the unholy love child of Dame Edna and Bob Downe, Aunty Jude sang, danced and satirised modern society. The pointed jokes and remarks did not let up for the whole show and we all howled with laughter.''
Theatre Thoughts Aus
"I laughed, I shoulder-danced, and I think at some point along the way I got sucked into an MLM. At no point could I predict what would happen next, but I trusted Aunty Jude to take me on a delightful journey, and that she did."
Theatre Travels
''Hello Dumplings,
I'm Aunty Jude.''
Introducing Aunty Jude is a joyful, touching and absurd foray into the world of a woman that doesn’t quite fit in. A comical celebration of a life lived off the beaten track with live cello, clowning and…shoulder dancing.
"From the moment she strode on stage swathed in red sequins and glittering headdress, she had the audience in thrall."
Theatre Aus
'' The way in which Bennett holds the space allows Aunty Jude's pride in her own identity to radiate across the whole theatre and in doing so, we're invited to celebrate our own oddities too. Introducing Aunty Jude is a beautiful invitation to just be silly.
In introducing us to Aunty Jude, we are introduced to new parts of ourselves"
Theatre Travels
Writer and Performer Alison Bennett
Director Shy Magsalin
Composers Damian de Boos Smith and Alison Bennett
Cello Performer Mary Rapp
Lighting Design Martin Kinnane
Introducing Aunty Jude was initially developed as part of a Brand X/The Flying Nun Artist Residency in December 2021.
It premiered as part of Made in Sydney, co-produced by Sydney Fringe at The Seymour Centre Sydney and Riverside Theatres Parramatta in September 2022.
Special thanks to Jaime Mears and Curly Fries.