UPDATE 10TH APRIL 2025
The countdown is on! Rehearsals for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown kick off tomorrow, and it’s about to get wild. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through 1980s Madrid – where chaos, unforgettable characters, and surprises are guaranteed.
We’re thrilled to announce the addition of two incredible swings to the cast – Carla Venezia (MAMMA MIA! The Musical) and Paul Leandre Escorrido (Converted!, A Jolly Good Musical). Whether it’s onstage chaos or offstage curveballs, our swings are the unsung heroes keeping the drama on track – no matter whose breakdown we’re dealing with.
Women on the Verge is coming to the Hayes this May – don’t miss your chance to be part of the mayhem. Get your tickets today!
MEDIA RELEASE - 13 MARCH 2025
EXCITING CAST ANNOUNCED FOR WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN
Step into the vibrant, hilarious world of 1980s Madrid where Pepa, a heartbroken actress, finds her life spiralling out of control after her lover’s sudden disappearance. As she searches for answers, Pepa navigates a series of increasingly outrageous events alongside a cast of eccentric characters, including a vengeful ex-wife, a best friend entangled with an international terrorist, a power-suited lawyer, and enough sedative-laced gazpacho to knock out half of Spain.
The Sydney Premiere of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown comes to Hayes Theatre Co for a strictly limited season from 9 May, featuring an exciting cast.
Angela Scundi (Come from Away, Into The Woods) plays Pepa, while Andrew Cutcliffe (The Dismissal, Caroline or Change) plays her missing lover Ivan. Tisha Kelemen (Little Women, Nine) is Lucia, Ivan’s ex-wife, and her son Carlos is played by Tomáš Kantor (Fangirls, West Side Story). Pepa’s best friend Candela is played by Grace Driscoll (Sunset Boulevard, Nice Work If You Can Get It) and film director Hector is played by Fabian Andrés (Grease, Moulin Rouge the Musical). Aaron Robuck (Parade, Bring It On the Musical) plays a taxi driver who dispenses tissues, mints and advice in equal proportion, while Nina Carcione (The Gruffalo, Brigadoon) plays Carlos’ frustrated fiancée Marisa and Melissa Russo (The Producers, Fangirls) is the power-suited lawyer Paulina.
Following his award-winning, critically acclaimed seasons of Cry Baby and American Psycho, Alexander Berlage returns to the Hayes to direct this exhilarating comedy, based on the iconic movie by Pedro Almodóvar. The brainchild of the talented team behind Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, David Yazbek and Jeffrey Lane, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is presented by Pinwheel Productions in association with Hayes Theare Co.
Director Alexander Berlage said, “I couldn’t be more excited to bring Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown to life at the Hayes this May with this ridiculously talented and outrageously hilarious cast and creative team. Pedro Almodóvar’s film is a whirlwind of passion, wit and beautiful chaos, and this musical captures all of that and more. At its heart, it’s a story about the wild, unpredictable and sometimes completely ridiculous things love and heartbreak make us do - because let’s be honest, who hasn’t teetered on the edge of a meltdown while obsessively checking their phone or dramatically misreading a situation? Some things never change! There’s no better place than the iconic and intimate Hayes Theatre to completely immerse audiences in this vibrant, offbeat and wonderfully wild world with our bold new production. It’s going to be a thrilling, funny, and unforgettable ride - we can’t wait to share it with you!”
Come and enjoy Pedro Almodóvar's wild colourful comedy of love, chaos, and gazpacho - where one day in Madrid can up-end your entire life.
WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN
Book by Jeffrey Lane, Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek
Based on the film by Pedro Almodóvar
Director Alexander Berlage
Choreographer Chiara Assetta
Musical Director Dylan Pollard
Overdose on love (and gazpacho)
Step into the vibrant, hilarious world of 1980s Madrid, where Pepa, a heartbroken actress, finds her life spiralling out of control after her lover’s sudden disappearance.
As she searches for answers, Pepa navigates a series of increasingly outrageous events alongside a cast of eccentric characters — including a vengeful ex-wife, a best friend entangled with an international terrorist, a power-suited lawyer, and enough sedative-laced gazpacho to knock out half of Spain.
Following his award-winning, critically acclaimed seasons of Cry Baby and American Psycho, Alexander Berlage returns to the Hayes to direct this exhilarating comedy, based on the iconic movie by Pedro Almodóvar.
Event Details:
Dates: 9 May - 8 June 2025
Times:
Wednesday – Saturday 7:30pm
Thursday 1:00pm (JUNE 5 Only)
Saturday 2:00pm
Sunday 5:00pm*No matinee performance on Sat 10 May
*No Tuesday performance on 27 May and 3 JuneDuration: Approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes – including interval
Ages: Recommended for 12+
Location: Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point
Warnings: Some comedic references to sex, drug use, suicide, terrorism.
Gunshot sounds.Notes: Wheelchair Accessible
Cost: From $85 Adult, $75 Concession, $75 Preview