Review: Do Not Go Gentle
Dylan Thomas’ poem Do not go gentle into that good night is a favourite of mine—particularly the lines where the poet implores their father to ‘rage against the dying of the light.’ Which meant that I was delighted to hear that Queensland Theatre Company (QTC) 2026 Season includes Patricia Cornelius’ play, Do Not Go Gentle. Cornelius juxtaposes Scott’s epic, ill-fated Antarctic expedition with the experiences of a group of aged care residents. Seeking to fulfill one final dream, they together take an imaginary journey through the icy wastes, seeking to be the first to raise their flag and achieve something monumental for their country and fellow citizens.
The QTC production of Do Not Go Gentle, directed by Heather Fairbairn, is led by the impressive William Zappa (Scott). The ‘cast of theatrical titans’ also features Jennifer Flowers (Wilson/Mary), Christen O’Leary (Bowers/Birdie/Claudia), Steven Grives (Evans/Taffy/the Strong Man/Scot), Bruce Spence (Oates/Titus/Soldier), Marilyn Richardson (Maria), and Andrew Buchanan (Man Beast/Peter/Alex).
Zappa is exceptional as Scott, conveying a determination to do more with their lives. Flowers has the audience in the palm of her hand, drawing out the wit and humour in the piece as she seeks love and validation. Grives brings decades of experience to the Billie Brown stage, with a memorable piece of character acting. Richardson rocks the theatre with fabulous costumes that accompany operatic moments and reminders of Maria’s youthful vocals and style. O’Leary’s portrayal of the increasingly ‘lost’ Claudia/Birdie, through to the very last moments of the play, is compelling—where her conversation with Alex (Buchanan) is a poignant reminder of the sadness of what others have referred to as the long goodbye. Equally, Spence and Buchanan’s closing scene is an impressive reveal of the life and suffering of ‘the Soldier.’
The costumes, lighting and soundscape are admirable. The manipulation, replacing, and removal of the curtains is distracting, but the expeditionary imagining is beautifully lit—complete with the whiteness of the blinding snow, and clever creation of the tent through the simple device of net curtains and staircases (Simone Romaniuk, Set and Costume Designer). The mirrored ‘walls’ convey some of the challenges faced by the nursing home residents, when trying to find the door.’ And the reveal of the nursing home interior, with the switching to the resident’s pyjamas and casual clothing, is cleverly done, offering a moving switch back to ‘reality.’
Battling the unyielding, vast, icy landscape is a moving metaphor for their experiences of ageing, and Do Not Go Gentle challenges audiences to consider the importance of dignity and self-determination for those who are battling dementia and the indignities of old age. However, I came away from this production a little disappointed—wishing that Cornelius had written this play as a 90-minute work, in order to concentrate less on the first act expedition and focus more on engaging with each of the ‘real’ characters.
Do Not Go Gentle is a reminder to us all to fully see people, including those at the end of their lives, or who may be battling diseases such as dementia. The switch to the small, restrictive nursing home interior brings the sad reality of the characters’ decline into sharp focus—contrasted against the vast open spaces of the imagined Antarctic exploration, and so different from their former lives and stories. The Do Not Go Gentle staff and families treat the residents as needing protection and restriction—but the play reminds us that every ageing relative is an individual, with hopes and dreams… and a desire for love, agency, and self-determination.
I am sure that this latest QTC show will be another success. Do Not Go Gentle will not be for everyone, but I am sure that many over-60s will find much to enjoy—and it may just give their younger relatives food for thought.
Picture: QTC promotional image (NOT a Creative Futures Photography image).
Audience information: Do Not Go Gentle, Bille Brown Theatre, 78 Montague Rd, South Brisbane (28 11-30 August 2026). Tickets $80-$85 (season ticket, $25 Mobtix, and $35 under 36 options also available—all plus transaction fee of $5). 130 minutes, including one interval. This production deals with ageing, dementia and memory loss, death and dying, and grief. It also contains mature themes and infrequent mild coarse language. Program and education resources available. Recommended for ages 15+. 160 minutes (including 20-minute interval).
The reviewer attended the 14 August 2026, 7:30pm opening night.
Presented by Queensland Theatre Company.
Additional credits: Kate Wilson (Assistant Director), Julian Starr (Sound Design), Alan John (Composer), Jo Loth (Movement Director), Michelle Miall (Intimacy Coordinator), Yanni Dubler (Stage Manager), and Michaela Francis (Assistant Stage Manager)