Stephen Vagg’s production The First Night (of the One Day of the Year) is now being presented by Brisbane’s Ad Astra Theatre Company.
A satirical reimagining of what might have happened during the opening night of Alan Seymour’s 1960s play The One Day of the Year, the production offers a comical glimpse behind the scenes of a theatrical event famously engulfed in controversy.
What once was a critical look at Anzac Day — or the ‘sacred cow’ of Australia — is now a witty rendering of the opening night that explores themes of politics, censorship and cultural tension.
Seymour’s original production concerns a family argument over the meaning of Anzac. The production faced massive amounts of controversy, surveillance, and even bomb threats. It was later dropped by the Adelaide Festival amid fears that the script would offend ex-servicemen.
In defiance, The Adelaide Theatre Group stepped in to stage the play, which proved to be a great success. Vagg’s rendition steps behind the curtain and explores the behind the scenes of that remarkable night in Australian theatrical history.
I would argue that a deeper understanding of Australian history is needed to fully appreciate this production. As a Brit, and by far the youngest person in the audience, I found that plenty of historical references and jokes went straight over my head, and so initially, I didn’t think I would enjoy this particular play.
However, as the narrative unfolded, I found myself becoming immersed in the story. This is a testament to Vagg’s writing. He is able to take a significant moment in Australian theatrical history, one which I was previously unfamiliar with, and transform it into an engaging performance.
I began to realise that the production speaks for more than just factual history, and beneath it lies a commentary on censorship, feminist and artistic courage.
My enjoyment of the production is an equal reflection of the strength and chemistry of its cast, who brought Vagg’s satirical script to life.
I was particularly taken with Janaki Gerard, who plays Coral. Her impeccable physical comedy and wonderfully expressive facial reactions provided some of the evening’s biggest laughs. Her chemistry with James Dyke, who plays Tony, Coral’s romantic interest, is also undeniable.
Equally impressive is Gregory J. Wilken, who plays the roles of the ABC Newsreader, Elliot, Neil, Grenville, and Rex. His ability to transition seamlessly between characters is remarkable, with each portrayal possessing its own distinct personality and comic flair. He subtly delivers witty digs at bureaucratic authority, cleverly poking fun at the intellectual and cultural censorship that sits at the heart of the play.
The combination of Vagg’s sharp writing as well as the strength and chemistry of the cast makes The First Night (of the One Day of the Year) thoroughly enjoyable, even when some of the historical references and in-jokes may go over one’s head. This is a testament to the play’s ability to entertain audiences beyond those familiar with its historical context.
In spite of the controversy that threatened to prevent Seymour’s original production from reaching the stage, his story managed to prevail. The play and its history are the epitome of ‘the show must go on.’
The First Night (of the One Day of the Year) is presented by Ad Astra and runs to 21 November 2026 at Ad Astra Theatre Company’s Pluto Space, 210 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane QLD 4000.
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1617288
Website: https://www.adastracreativity.com/productions/the-first-night
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/firstnightoftheonedayoftheyear/ and https://www.instagram.com/adastratheatrecompany/
Images supplied.
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