★★★★☆
She’s licensed to sell…
Between impossible house prices and never-ending interest rate hikes, reality is exhausting enough. Thankfully, The Agent, a new comedy play by Meryn Cooper, is here to let audiences laugh their way out of it for a while.
A world premiere for the Anywhere Festival in Brisbane, this wacky spy spoof, directed by Mel Poole and presented by Zebra Mez Creative, unfolds in a heightened version of present-day reality.
The story follows Michelle Schrödinger and her team at Schrödinger Reality as they battle to secure the coveted title of Real Estate Agent of the Year. Standing in Michelle’s way is her ruthless rival Jane Bond, whose shady tactics make every sale a mission of espionage and sabotage.
Toilet mishaps, playful gadgets and impromptu dance breaks are just some of the delights packed into this unapologetically over-the-top production.
As Michelle, Meryn Cooper is Brisbane’s answer to Jane Turner from Kath & Kim. Complete with mispronunciations and foxy-moron energy, she wears the pants in this show, and left the opening night audience in stitches.
Jamie Delmonte plays the instantly likeable sidekick assistant, Brad Hardbns. His character is joyously camp, and his non-stop energy is the glue that binds the show together.
Sarah McNally grounds the story with no-nonsense sass. As Joan McGroan, tech support of the agency, her physical comedy is smartly executed. She is also funny in her cameo as the gloriously ridiculous prospective home buyer.
As nemesis Jane Bond, Phoebe Maher is delightfully evil and criminally underused. Her opening scene will feel all too familiar to any modern homebuyer who’s ever attended a Saturday morning auction.
Sam Herbertson, as the dulcet-toned Jock Lovegrove, reminds us that the person behind the voice we hear on the radio is not always who we might expect.
As the Swiss Army Knife of the cast, Damian Smith plays various memorable characters. One highlight is Dick Smarm, who gives a fantastically funny awards night intro speech.
Making a promising debut as Joanna Bambini is Vivien Rose, whose character reminds us to never underestimate the young!
When it is not playing host to independent theatre, Warehouse 25 in Milton is a bar, restaurant and gin distillery. It is open two hours before each performance, making it the perfect venue for dinner and a show.
The Agent is a wonderfully chaotic night at the (non-traditional) theatre, and marks an exciting debut play for Zebra Mez Creative. After all, in Brisbane’s property market, perhaps comedy really is the only affordable escape left.
The Agent runs to 30 May at Warehouse 25 as part of the 2026 Brisbane Anywhere Festival. 25 Finchley Street Milton Qld 4064.
Tickets: https://anywhere.is/event/the-agent/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/anywherefestbrisbane/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/zebramez_creative/
Photo credits: Stephen L Archer Photography
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