Beautiful Highness

Shelley (Petra Glieson) is living with a mental condition, with voices constantly bombarding her head, literally driving her crazy. The long-term effects of her condition and her struggle to keep up with her medication has meant that she has been unable to raise her three children.

Younger sister Sam (Tanya Schneider), has stoically stood by her, rationally and caringly, encouraging her and clearing the damage that constantly seems to occur, at the cost of her own relationship.

Mum (Michele Stayner) took on the responsibility of raising Shelley’s children, including young Tommy, who features in this play. But the years have taken a toll and worn away her awareness, resulting in her becoming angry and resentful. 

Together, these three strong characters drive the story, making it very personal, which is the play’s strength. Rather than getting bogged down with medical terminology or facts, writer Chelsea Plumley shows us how a family has managed, or not, after many years. This interaction is what draws the audience in, highlighting their strain and changing attitudes.

A cast of seven, some playing multiple characters, bring the story alive. Special mention to Tanya Schneider who infuses much warmth and depth into her character, and also Alistair Herbert (sharing the role with Jasper McDonald Parsons) playing the young Tommy.

The design is simple but effective with sound design and music (James Roche) used to great effect.

Beautiful Highness comes at a time in our society when mental illness has a much greater awareness and can often be successfully treated. Opening our minds to the lives of a family struggling to maintain their love and kindness is what this production sets out to achieve and hopefully to continue the conversation well after the lights go down.  

When Shelley utters: “Your helping is NOT helping me”, it makes a great deal of sense.

Vito Mattarelli

Photographer: Angel Leggas.