The Appleton Ladies' Potato race - An Engaging and Delightful Evening of Theatre

Written by Melanie Tait, The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race is a warm-hearted Australian comedy that takes on the gender pay-gap and small-town cultural dynamics through the lens of a rural show’s potato sack race. This production by Pymble Players runs from 24 October to 1 November 2025 at the Zenith Theatre in Chatswood.

Under the direction of Alexandra Pelvin, this staging embraces the comedic rhythm and heart of the text. The set design by Pelvin and Ian Ackland creates a believable rural show-site locale - modest, unpretentious, and grounded in the small-town world of Appleton. Lighting by Sean Clarke and sound by Geoff Jones support the production’s faster moments (such as the actual “race” scene) and its quieter reflective beats. The Zenith venue offers a comfortable and accessible theatre experience, which serves the production well.

At its core, the play tackles inequality, tradition versus progress, and community identity. The characters illuminate how gender roles, discrimination and change operate in even the most familiar Australian settings.

Pymble Players’ The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race is an engaging and delightful evening of theatre. It entertains thoroughly and leaves you with something to ponder. The cast performs with confidence and heart; the direction holds the balance of humour and purpose; and the Zenith Theatre venue supports the overall experience.

Published 27 October by WAITING IN THE WINGS