Presented by: Adelaide University Theatre Guild
Reviewed: 12 August, 2026
Over the years, I have really enjoyed sitting down in the Little Theatre to be swept away by incredibly produced productions. Pomona is certainly no exception to this. It is captivating, brilliantly directed and performed by an exceptional cast.
This non-linear story follows Ollie, who is searching for her missing sister, and discovers all roads lead to Pomona — an abandoned concrete island in the heart of the city. What unfolds is a journey unlike any other. Alistair McDowall’s play is confusing at the beginning. As an audience, you have no idea what is happening. But as the play unfolds you piece together tiny clues given in each scene that allow you to paint a bigger picture of where the play is heading.
Director Thomas Midena has assembled a hardworking and dedicated cast to produce a very compelling and intriguing production. Midena has worked closely with his cast and assistant director Sophie Livingston-Pearce to create characters with believable depth.
The first thing that hits you with this production is the striking set and that immediately draws your eye when you enter the Little Theatre. Tahneisha Mottishaw’s set design perfectly creates a neglected landscape. What appear to be broken pallets and other broken items come brought together to create furniture and locations within each scene – genius. Credit must also be given to Adam Poole-Mottishaw and Ryan McCarthy’s brilliant scenic art, which only adds to the aesthetics of the set. Alice Smith’s lighting design should also be praised for creating moody shadows that really heightened the drama.
Pomona is an example of ensemble theatre at its finest. Mia Livingstone-Pearce (Ollie), Jessie Chugg (Charlie), Airlie-Jade Windle (Fay), Louis Bianchini (Moe), Lily Watkins (Keaton), Macey Lawson (Zeppo) and Jessica Merrick (Gale) all give brilliant performances. It is no easy feat to tackle a show like this that has very heavy subject matter and a non-linear script, but this exceptional cast delivers a tight, well rehearsed performance.
One highly impactful moment in the show comes during a scene between Jessie Chugg and Louis Bianchini. The fight sequence, masterfully choreographed by Jethro Pidd, landed with such an impact you forgot you were watching a production. A brilliantly rehearsed routine.
Pomona is a thought provoking and very different night out at the theatre. It is a challenging work masterfully handled by a brilliant director and an equally brilliant cast. Bravo Adelaide University Theatre Guild for bringing a work like this to the Adelaide stage.
Reviewed by Ben Stefanoff
Photo credit: Sophie Livingston-Pearce and Alice Smith
Venue: Little Theatre, Adelaide University
Season: Until 16th August 2026
Duration: Approx 95mins (no intermission)
Tickets: $28 (full price) / $23 (concession) (plus booking fee)
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1476481
