Written by Sonia Dodd
Directed by Hannah Armstrong

22 – 23 September 2023
The Playhouse, Civic Theatre Newcastle

We’ve all lost something before. Pair of undies? Marbles? Your Dad?

Good Mourning tells the true story of four young siblings and their Dad’s cancer diagnosis. While the children come to understand what the C-word means, Mum and Dad make themselves busy with appointments, to-do lists and plans for their final three months together. The family embark on a Farewell Tour through Canberra, Newcastle and the sparkly theme parks of the Gold Coast, promising each other to reincarnate as magpies, and building final memories of a man they are only just getting to know.

This new Australian work explores the complexities of loss and grief from the honest perspective of an eight-year-old, who reminds us that while death is scary, life is a celebration.

Duration: 50 mins
Recommended age: Suitable for audiences 12+
Content warning: Mild coarse language and themes surrounding death, terminal illness, cancer and grief.

“A perfect balance of exploring grief and death with sincerity and love that left the audience in tears, yet wholly uplifted and full of love.” – Tess Bourguignon, theatretravels.org

“Dodd’s writing is satisfying, with an honesty that circumvents sentimentality, for a discussion on grief that always feels authentic.” – Suzy Wrong, suzygoessee.com

“Armstrong’s [direction is] inventive and effervescent in style, surprising us with optimism and entertainment.”
– Suzy Wrong, suzygoessee.com

The 2023 season of Good Mourning was supported by Lyndey Milan. Lyndey said, “Congratulations on your further development of this production which originally won the Blair Milan Touring prize, and for your dedication to youth arts in the regions. May you ever grow and succeed and continue the Blair Milan legacy.”