Few productions manage to balance humour and heartbreak quite as effortlessly as Janet Shaw’s One Day I’ll Fly Away, a play that took audiences on a truly memorable emotional journey from start to finish.
This hilariously poignant drama proved to be a huge success, resonating with both audiences and cast alike, and leaving a lasting impression long after the final curtain.
A Story of Unexpected Friendship
One Day I’ll Fly Away tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two very different individuals brought together in a nursing home setting.
Kylie (Lissy Rawlings), a troubled teenager completing community service, is assigned to help at the home, much to the annoyance of Nora (Alison Ivanec), a sharp-tongued and cantankerous resident recovering from hip surgery.
What begins as a series of sharp, often hilarious exchanges gradually develops into something much deeper. As the two begin to open up about their pasts, they discover that they may not be as different as they first thought.
A Cast of Memorable Characters
Alongside this central relationship, the play introduces a wonderful cast of supporting characters who bring both humour and heart to the story:
- Fern (Emma Simpson), the caring and capable nurse manager
- Connie (Jo Longstaff), the tea lady with a love of gossip
- Gladys (Joan Sadler), a fellow resident who is non-verbal following a stroke, at least until a powerful and surprising moment later in the play
- Adam (Ian Hanmer), a male nurse keen to make it clear he is “definitely not gay”… particularly in his admiration for Fern
Each character added depth and warmth to the production, creating a rich and believable world that audiences quickly became invested in.
Comedy and Emotion in Perfect Balance
The play struck a wonderful balance between comedy and drama. Quick-witted dialogue and humorous interactions kept audiences laughing throughout, while the emotional core of the story built steadily towards a truly powerful conclusion.
By the final scenes, laughter gave way to tears, with many in the audience deeply moved by the journey of the characters and the themes of ageing, loneliness, and human connection.
Outstanding Direction and a Special Recognition
This touching production was skilfully directed by Ronnie Lowery, whose sensitive and thoughtful approach brought out the very best in both cast and script. The emotional response from audiences was a testament to her work, and it was clear just how much this production meant to her.
In a truly special moment for the club, playwright Janet Shaw herself attended a performance, something the cast and crew only discovered afterwards when she shared this wonderful feedback:
“I had the honour and privilege to see your brilliant production of One Day I’ll Fly Away last night. Each and every one played their part to perfection. I cannot find the words to express how terribly proud I was to see such a well polished and truly believable production. It was skilfully and seamlessly directed, the props and scenery amazing. I had a tear in my eye at the end, and I knew what was coming. Thank you all, and I hope you will consider doing another of my plays.”
A Production to Remember
One Day I’ll Fly Away was a truly special production, one that brought laughter, emotion, and reflection in equal measure.
It was a joy to see audiences so engaged, sharing in both the humour and the heartfelt moments that made this play so memorable.
Thank You
A huge thank you to our talented cast, dedicated crew, and everyone involved in bringing this wonderful play to life.
And of course, thank you to our audiences for your continued support, your reactions, laughter, and tears are what make productions like this so rewarding.
Final Curtain
With its blend of humour, honesty, and heartfelt storytelling, One Day I’ll Fly Away reminded us all of the power of connection, no matter our age or circumstances.
A truly unforgettable production that will stay with us for a long time.
