The MILF and Mistress

Does happily ever after simply expire?

Three pets, two sons, one wife, a rainbow-hued suburban dream, and one very frustrated MILF. Ali Henderson has it all… but it’s just. not. enough.

A middle-aged woman is before us. This is Ali. She’s intelligent and seems confident, but deep down she’s completely insecure and a bit of a dag. Outwardly, she’s living the lesbian dream! Smoke and mirrors, baby. Smoke and mirrors.

Can having everything you’ve ever wanted stop you from becoming everything you’ve ever needed?

A dynamic and darkly comic new Australian work, The MILF and Mistress is a rare and compelling theatrical event that centres on the older lesbian experience. Brought to the stage by a powerhouse female team including writer Jane Montgomery Griffiths, director Dianne Toulson and actor Jennifer Vuletic, it angles a bright spotlight on how Saturday soccer, school runs, and flannelette pyjamas all work to keep us in a comfortable domestic slumber.

Until a well-placed riding crop wakes us up.

Playing as a part of the 2023 Midsumma Festival at Theatre Works, one of Australia’s longest-running independent theatres, The MILF and Mistress is an exciting addition to the vast and vibrant array of shows the organisation will support throughout the year. Known for constantly reinvigorating and reimagining the sector, Theatre Works champions artists and work that embraces difference and celebrates risk by continually providing a platform for marginalised conversations and voices.

Written by Jane Montgomery Griffiths
Directed by Dianne Toulson
Performed by Jennifer Vuletic
Dramaturg: Briony Dunn
Lighting Design by Niklas Pajanti
Visual Design by David Nelson
Set and Costume Designed by Dianne Toulson
Set Realisation by Dave Angelico

Sound Design/Live Video: Tom Ray
Creative Associate: Steven Mitchell Wright
Stage Manager: Peta Coy