Presented by: Stirling Players
Reviewed: 13 September, 2025
Stirling Players round out their 2025 season with the moving production, Hansard. Hansard follows a conversation across an afternoon between Tory cabinet member Robin Hesketh and his politically-opposed, stay-at-home wife, Diana.
Written by Simon Woods and first premiering in 2019, the play focuses on the conversation between Robin and Diana around the passing of the Section 28 legislation in 1988, which banned the “promotion” of homosexuality. It is amazing how relevant this play is today, especially with the recent events unfolding over in America. This play speaks volumes on the world’s political unrest.
Director Sally Putnam has assembled two of Adelaide’s finest actors for Hansard. Anita Zamberlan Canala and Andrew Clark both give magnetic performances. Nothing feels strained or forced; their dialogue comes across beautifully, as though we have been dropped into their house mid-afternoon — the pace felt natural. Putnam’s impeccable eye for detail has left nothing untouched. From the tiniest facial expressions from the cast to a clock on the wall hitting times mentioned in the dialogue, every detail has been carefully thought through.
My only criticism with this production is not with the show itself, but with the freezing temperature in the theatre. With a play running at 1 hour and 40 minutes, you want to make sure your patrons are comfortable and not shivering in the cold. There are heaters in the venue so it was surprising they were not turned on (as I have seen and felt the warmth in the same venue for other productions).
Hansard runs until 27 September. Rug up, take a short trip up the freeway and allow yourself to be challenged by this moving and powerful production.
Reviewed by Ben Stefanoff
Photo credit: Daneil Salmond
Venue: Stirling Community Theatre
Season: Until 27 September, 2025
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes (no intermission)
Tickets: From $20 (plus booking fees)
Bookings: https://www.stirlingplayers.org.au/coming-next
