The Dress
A comedy drama, set in 1895 around the fashion world of Melbourne with two unlikely allies.
by Essence Theatre Productions
This performance is suitable for small regional presenters
Theatre
The Dress is a comedy drama, set in 1895 around the fashion world of Melbourne with two unlikely allies – dressmaker Berin desperate to create a stunning dress for his client, widow Hannah, for an upcoming masquerade ball.
This wonderful tale of friendship is a two hander that has delighted many audiences having been performed in the hallway of Werribee Mansion and at the Hotel Windsor. It is immersive in style with the character Bertin interacting directly with the audience. The staging is floor level with the actors traversing between the audience seated either side. Our simple but wonderful touring set is very flexible for different configurations.
Being set around the Melbourne fashion industry late 19th century, much research and detailed attention has been done to take the audience back into that fascinating time. The costuming, created by historical dressmaker, Harry Quinert, is stunning.
But essentially this play is a wonderful tale of two characters Bertin, a gay man who walks a thin rope of open flamboyancy to hiding from society and Hannah, a lonely widow stuck in her widow blacks. The ‘French farce’ element is exciting as both try to deceive each other around the potential of attending the masquerade ball.
An important element of each performance is, post-show, inviting the audience to share a glass of wine/sherry with the actors who can see the costumes up close, take photos, ask questions. With Alaine Beek (performs as Hannah) also being the author of the play, post-show audience engagement has proved to be an essential element of the whole experience.
To experience The Dress in a hall setting, it is being performed at the Bluestone Arts Space in Footscray from 2 to 7 November 2025. Details and bookings via the Essence Theatre website.
Other details
Essence Theatre Productions writes and produces its own works finding unique Australian stories that enlighten, inspire and engage. It has a mission to engage the diverse community of Wyndham through creating opportunities that build skills and inspire.
Essence Theatre Productions perform in various spaces (a woolshed, an old farm, a grand mansion, a ballroom, a community hall etc) and also through workshops and voluntary support to the community. They have toured throughout Victoria and into NSW.
They believe in working from the ground up and, whilst having performed in established theatres, most of their work is with local residents, organisations, schools, community groups all with the purpose of inspiring, building
skills, engaging, connecting and building a sense of purpose and belonging.
Suitable for small halls and community spaces. Details to be discussed upon booking.
No content warning. Whilst originally targeted to women, the show has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from audience members with a wide variety of backgrounds.
Workshops and engagement options connected to ‘The Dress’:
All performances – post show discussion/Q&A with audience.
Dress up performances where the audience dress up and venue holds opportunity for a small ‘house party’ afterwards.
General workshops for budding actors/playwrights.
Targeted workshops for those that want to know more about the making of The Dress (writing, acting, costuming)
About This Event
Presented by:Essence Theatre Productions
Art Form:Theatre
Suitable Venues: All Types, Historic Building, Gym, General Purpose Room or Hall, Blackbox or Theatre
Ages: 15+
Audience: General
Fee for Small Regional Presenters: $3,500
To book contact:
Alaine Beek
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0439 690 091