Written by Jennifer Lunn, ES & FLO premiered in the UK before finding a new life in Australia, notably with Mi Todo Productions at the Old Fitz Theatre in Sydney. The play places older women at its centre, exploring sexuality, friendship and autonomy with honesty.
The story follows Es and Flo, two women later in life who’ve been together for thirty-six years. Around them orbit younger women whose own relationships, expectations and assumptions collide with Es and Flo’s choices.
It is so rare that we see stories like this told. I found it so refreshing to witness the dignity afforded to these women as the play treats them as full, flawed human beings.
Annie Byron as Es anchors the production, bringing real warmth and restraint, allowing vulnerability to surface in the moments that matter most. Fay Du Chateau’s Flo is spirited and direct, with a spark that keeps the play alive. Together, Byron and Du Chateau create a relationship that feels mature, aged like fine wine; their chemistry is natural and deeply moving.
Eloise Snape is back after a magnificent outing in Mary Jane last year. This time, instead of our hero, she is playing somewhat of an antagonist, with her own struggles at home.
Charlotte Salusinszky as Beata and Georgina “Gigi” Warren-Nwokolo as Kasia add some lovely levity and companionship for both Es and Flo throughout the play.
For me, Salusinszky is the standout. From her first entrance to her final exit, she inhabits the role with complete assurance. There’s a lived-in quality to her performance, a sense that she has endured situations like this before, perhaps with far less kindness than Es and Flo offer. It feels as though these three women were destined to find one another. She is captivating to watch.
Director Emma Canalese handles the material with sensitivity and control. The elongated scene transitions beautifully depict the slow marching of time. We can’t stop it, but wouldn’t want to even if we could.
Intimacy Director Sonya Kerr deserves particular praise. The physical closeness between Es and Flo is staged with care and respect.
The design team supports the emotional world of the play with precision. Soham Apte’s set design creates a domestic space with walls that double as projection space for Aron Murray’s video design, which adds texture and backstory.
Alice Vance’s costumes subtly reflect character without drawing attention. Lighting Designer Luna Yuet Yee Ng shapes the mood with backlighting and pops of colour.
The soundscape, crafted by Keelen Ellis and co-composed with Freyja Meany, underscores the shifts in tone and displacement with attentiveness.
ES & FLO is a tender portrait of love later in life. It challenges assumptions without preaching and finds humour without cruelty. There is a location shift halfway through the play; from then on, I had a constant stream of tears rolling down my face. It is an intimate, courageous celebration of connection at any age.
ES & FLO is presented by Mi Todo Productions and runs until 28 February at the Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011.
Tickets: https://tickets.iwannaticket.com.au/seller/old-fitz-ad9r
Website: https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/es-flo
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/oldfitztheatre/ and https://www.instagram.com/mitodoproductions/
Photo credits: Robert Catto
