Debut show sees sold out success

WITH their debut play I See You currently beginning a packed run, the future is looking bright for theatrical newcomers Overlook Productions.

The one-act, nine-person performance taking place at Camp Street’s The Crypt saw its original six shows sold out by late March with an additional two added to help fill demand.

Overlook Productions co-founder and the play’s writer and director Miranda Donald said she’s been overwhelmed by the response.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” she said. “I’ve been involved in Ballarat theatre for a long time and I’ve never known of a play to be sold out within four weeks before it opens.

“I think we’ve hit the perfect storm with an intriguing venue in an intimate space and a historic atmosphere.

“It’s a very intimate show as well and we’ve been selling 60 tickets per show. I think word just spread that people need to book.

“We’ve actually got a waiting list for people because we just can’t put any more on.

“Because we’ve had seven shows sell out we’re able to afford to have our Saturday matinee professionally filmed which was on our wish list.”

I See You follows a parent teacher interview set in real time and encompasses themes of grief, loss and humour.

Donald said the success of their debut show is a strong indication of Ballarat’s theatrical support.

“Ballarat has, I believe, a very strong theatrical support base,” she said.

“We’ve got Lyric and BLOC that do these amazing world class professional musicals and amazing performing arts companies.

“I think we’ve hit on the niche of doing intimate theatre. This play would not have worked otherwise and no one would have afforded taking this to Her Majesty’s Theatre.”

Donald said Overlook Productions aims to put on two shows a year, with their next play to potentially be performed around December.