The Tin Woman at Arts Theatre Cronulla

The new production at Arts Theatre Cronulla, The Tin Woman, is written by Sean Grennan and is inspired by a true story. While it is an intimate and poignant play that explores the power of human connection, it is at the same time a heart-warming comedy that is a blend of family drama, humour and hope.

Reeling in the wake of an unexpected heart transplant from 36-year-old Jack, Joy is depressed because she can’t come to grips with why she was given another chance to live.  She is consumed with guilt and spirals into a paralysing depression, dwelling on the responsibilities of being a worthy transplant recipient. 

The play also focuses on how the living cope with the loss of someone close, with Jack’s family members dealing with the tragedy differently. His parents can’t seem to function nor come to peace with losing him, and Jack’s deeply wounded father is shut down apart from bitter, angry outbursts. For his mother and sister, the aching mourning persists with no sign of relief. 

Joy finds herself debating whether to contact Jack’s family, eventually sending them a letter. When they agree to meet, the awkwardness becomes funny and heartfelt. 

Using imagination and suspending disbelief, the audience actually sees Jack onstage, in a spiritual form observing the characters, and in flashbacks. 

The ultimate question in this beautiful play is not whether Joy’s body will reject her new heart, but will she and Jack’s family reject the life it has bought.

The production opens on 10 May, 2024 and runs till 15 June, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and has four Sunday matinees at 2pm.

Tickets are $33/$30 and can be booked online via the theatre’s website: 

https://www.artstheatrecronulla.com.au/

Cast

JACK: Michael Barlow

HANK: Michael Gooley

JOY: Koren Chambers

NURSE/DARLA: Angela Gibson

ALICE: Christiane Brawley

SAMMY: Kirsty McGowan

Photographers: Jeff Gall, Mark Phillips and Peter Gale - Port Hacking Camera Club