Review: Tell Me Something
Curtain Call (L to R): Anna Wavrant (Emilie), Shaun Casey (Matthew), Axielle Doddridge (Bella), and Jacob Edward (Hamish) and Image credit Creative Futures Photography image).
I was very impressed by Sophia Davidson Gluyas’ The Bed Party, and was delighted that her latest work, Tell Me Something, is premiering at Melt 2025. Tell Me Something is described by the writer as ‘a charming little show about chosen family and the nature of friendship’—as a play that is ‘about love. The way we love. Who we love. And the kaleidoscope of different experiences that can complicate the way we love each other.’ Tell Me Something is also about the difference between talking about ‘facts,’ and about speaking the truth—and is a glorious homage to the now-closed Surry Hills Hopetoun Hotel.
Tell Me Something centres on the friendship of Bella (Axielle Doddridge) and ‘Mish/Hamish (Jacob Edward). Having known each other since they were kids, Hamish and Bella now share a house. Hamish has a chronic inability to wash-up and is always looking to borrow money from Bella. They gossip and giggle, share stories and ideas, and debate their respective love lives. Their relationship is close, but never sexual—as beautifully portrayed with ‘the kiss,’ and quick ‘you’re gay’ recoil.
Throughout the play, Bella and Hamish ask each other to ‘tell me something,’ where the ‘something’ is always a fabulous obscure ‘QI-style’ factoid that changes the subject, and leaves important truths unsaid. As these omissions surface—and as each housemate grapples with the ways in which to find or build a successful partnership with their ideal lover—their friendship is put to the test.
It is always great to see a piece of new writing, particularly as Sophia Davidson Gluyas (Writer, Director, and Producer) has attracted such strong lead actors and creatives to this project. Doddridge is the absolute star of this show, and is now on my ‘one to watch for the future’ list. Doddridge’s Bella is funny, clever, introspective, and strong; a woman who is clear on what she wants out of life, is ready to ‘draw the line’ when behaviour is unacceptable, and is principled enough not to compromise when asked to ‘take a pause.’ A friend we’d all like to get to know better, and an actor who has great depth and skill.
Edward’s Hamish is a great counterpoint to Doddridge’s Bella. Despite his inability to wash the dishes, Hamish is a fabulous gay best friend who is happy to listen to Bella’s views, is willing to share information about his desires for Mathew, and is happy to rescue Bella from her birthday party woes. Hamish is funny, flamboyant, and always ready for a party—but Edwards is also able to convey the second act contrition, support, and honesty in a very believable way.
Doddridge and Edwards are joined onstage by Anna Wavrant (Emilie) and Shaun Casey (the narcissistic and privileged Matthew), who each play the respective objects of desire with integrity. However, I would be interested to see if Tell Me Something would work in a slightly shorter version and perhaps as a play for just two actors. The writing is certainly strong enough. Having Bella and Hamish at the centre of our attention, with the other roles ‘offstage,’ might make for a slightly more focused experience. If there are to be any future developments of this new work, I’d also suggest a slightly clearer flagging of the timeline of a play that starts at the future birthday party, and then moves back in time to the time leading up to that same birthday celebration at the hotel and music venue.
The other ‘character’ in Tell Me Something is the now-closed Surry Hills Hopetoun Hotel. Having been full of praise for The Bed Party set design, it is great to see that Genevieve Morrow Ganner is also responsible for the excellent Tell Me Something set, that includes a gorgeous retro kitchen and the suitably grungy Hopetoun Hotel signage and sofa. Peter Crees (Sound Design) has also worked magic with a sound design that includes music of bands that had previously played at the iconic ‘Hoey.’
Tell Me Something is a great piece of theatre, and I hope that its inclusion in the 2025 Melt Festival attracts queer and wider audiences. Yes, the protagonists are queer, and yes there are some strong sexual references and deep themes. But each of these themes have a universality that is not limited to sexual orientation or identity. Tell Me Something is a reminder to all of us to be truthful with ourselves, and with our closest friends. Here’s looking forward to seeing future writing by the talented Sophia Davidson Gluyas.
Picture (L to R): Hamish (Jacob Edward) and Bella (Axielle Doddridge). Image credit Claudio Kirac (NOT a Creative Futures Photography image).
Audience information: Davidson Gluyas Productions’ Tell Me Something, New Benner Theatre, Metro Arts Theatre, 97 Boundary Street West End (2025 Melt Festival, 30 October-1 November 2025). 140 minutes, including 20-minute interval. Content warnings include mature and controversial themes, discussions of racism, references to violence, sexual references, themes of homophobia, and some strong language. Recommended for audiences aged 18+. Tickets $44-52, plus up to $3.90 transaction fee.
Additional credits: Benjamin Vlasich (Lighting Design), Nicola Gordon (Assistant Director and Associate Producer), Libby Jeisman (Stage Manager), and Cindy Ambridge (Intimacy Coordinator).
The reviewer attended the Wednesday 29th October performance (7pm).