Join Hunters Hill as they Exit Laughing

Name of production Exit Laughing

Name of company Hunters Hill Theatre

Quick blurb of the show 

When the biggest highlight of your life for the past thirty years has been your weekly card night with the girls, what do you do when one of your foursome inconveniently dies? For Connie, Leona, and Millie, the answer is both simple and daring. They “borrow” their friend’s urn from the funeral home so they can all be together for one last bridge game. What follows is a wildly unexpected evening filled with laughter, chaos, a brush with the law and a renewed appreciation for friendship, courage and the joy of truly living.

Name of interviewee & role in the production

Annette van Roden (Director), Phillipa Coleman (Connie), Sarah Croake (Rachel)

Tell us a bit about yourself? (How long have you been doing shows? What do you do outside of theatre? What do you enjoy the most about theatre? Whatever you want to share!)

Annette: I’ve been involved in theatre since I was 16. It started with an interest in stage makeup. My school career guidance counsellor suggested I join the local theatre company to see if I liked it, so I joined The Arcadians in Wollongong.

My first show was South Pacific, where I dried the lead’s hair after she had “washed that man” out of it. The next show I was in the chorus, and I never looked back.

Outside of theatre, my professional life is really an extension of it. I run my own entertainment business, performing cabaret-style shows for aged care and retirement communities across Sydney, and I also work as a professional role-player in medical and communication training.

Both grew from my love of theatre and the many years I’ve spent performing, directing and creating. That foundation has allowed me to build a career that is purposeful and deeply rewarding.

What I enjoy most is that it allows me to use all of my creative skills in one place. I love designing, building, set dressing, directing and acting. It’s rare to find something that brings all of those elements together, and it has also given me some of my closest friendships.

Phillipa: Hi! I’m Phillipa, I live in North Ryde (so nice and handy to Hunters Hill Theatre’s location at Club Ryde Ex), I’ve been married to my hunky husband for what seems like forever, and have four children aged 25 through to 17. When I was younger, I loved being in every school play and musical going (even if I couldn’t sing a note! and still can’t!) and continued that through my 20s and 30s, performing in some

student films and community and independent theatre (e.g. Genesian Theatre, Lane Cove Theatre Company, Hunters Hill Theatre, TheatreFest). I also did Theatre Sports and trained at The Actors Centre (oh, so long ago) in between all that.

Outside of the theatre, I was a film publicist and worked in the marketing departments of film distributors such as Universal, Columbia TriStar, Fox, Paramount and MGM. That was a wild ride. Then kids came along and motherhood become all encompassing (which tends to happen when you have four of them) so both performing and career were put on the backburner. We travelled, moved interstate and eventually came back to Sydney. It took me a while to get back on stage but about three years ago (when my soul was slowly being destroyed by a corporate affairs job) the creative bug hit me again with a huge bang and it’s been non-stop since then. I’ve been production assistant and First AD on a few short and feature films (as well as being in front of the camera). My most recent stage roles have been in The Potboiler (Bittersweet Productions); Room to Move (Genesian Theatre); School for Scandal (Lane Cove Theatre Company) and Gold Star Parents (Manly Theatre Group).

I love all things pop culture so soak up as many movies, tv shows, theatre, industry podcasts and

reviews/shows as I can. And if I’m not doing that, you’ll find me listening to Elvis Presley and walking my

dog, Bailey.

What do I enjoy most about theatre? I find it incredibly cathartic. You could have had a terrible day at work or at home but you hit the stage and all of that goes away…or it can make a great day even better. As a performer you can become someone else, even if it’s only temporary, and that helps you become a better version of you. For me, as a mum, I find I give so much of myself to others that the theatre is a way of giving back to myself. As an audience member, you can forget your worries and be transported somewhere else. And the camaraderie is unlike anything else. You cannot form these intense and rewarding relationships so quickly anywhere else but the theatre.

Sarah: Hi, I’m Sarah and I am a relatively new addition to Hunters Hill Theatre, having joined in September 2025 for the last production, Drinking Habits. I have always loved theatre and performed in shows throughout high school and university. The first society I joined during O-Week at university was the drama society and I had my first audition with them in that same week. I met some of my best friends through theatre and many of my favourite memories and moments are tied to performing and being part of the broader theatre community. 

Outside of theatre I am a lawyer and have worked in criminal law for the past four years. My work can be busy and intense, so I am often seeking a creative outlet in my spare time. I enjoy trying a wide range of hobbies and over the past few years I have bought roller skates and participated in Learn to Skate classes with the Inner West Roller Derby League, tried my hand at painting, attempted to grow a succulent garden, learnt how to crochet, taken reformer pilates classes, joined a softball team, gotten back into reading and tried to expand my cooking repertoire. I am currently half-way through a latch hook project for a cushion cover and I have a crochet blanket work-in-progress that I work on occasionally between my other projects. Last year, my endless quest for a new hobby brought me back to the theatre and I could not be more thrilled to be back on the stage after having been away for a few years. I am also accepting suggestions for any new hobbies that I should try next!

I love the feeling of creating something bigger than myself through theatre. Being on the stage is incredibly fun and exhilarating but I also love getting to work with an incredible cast and production team to make an artistic vision come to life. As an audience member, I have been incredibly moved by performances and felt a deep sense of connection through theatre. I aspire to be able to create this kind of experience for the audience as an actor. I also love the community created by theatre and could not imagine what my life would be like if I had never been a part of this community. There is nothing quite like it!

What can audiences look forward to when they come to see the show?

Annette: Audiences can expect a show that is great fun on the surface, with plenty of laughter and warmth. Beneath that, it explores friendship, loss and the strength that comes from shared history. It’s about the bonds we build over time and how those memories sustain us, even in loss.

Phillipa: Audiences can look forward to an emotional but sharp, quick-witted, perceptive play about how three friends cope with the loss of the fourth member of their group. Just like in life, there are plenty of laughs amongst the sadness and a couple of very unexpected moments! If I say anymore I’ll spoil it but it’s a bit of a riot at times!

Sarah: Audiences can look forward to a witty, funny and at times emotional experience as they join the characters on a rollercoaster journey of the highs and lows of friendship, love and life. There are many   laugh-out-loud moments which are grounded with moments of loss, grief and genuine connection. There are many twists and turns to keep the audience entertained, but you won’t get any spoilers from me!

How has the rehearsal process been?

Annette: It’s been a pleasure working with three experienced and grounded female actors. This play depends on believable long-term friendship, and I’ve seen those relationships strengthen steadily in rehearsal.

Their work with the two younger cast members has been built on mutual respect and a genuine willingness to try ideas and refine them.

Having one of my close friends as Assistant Director has also been invaluable. His steady presence and honest perspective have helped keep the process focused and productive.

Phillipa: The rehearsal process has been both creative and challenging. I like the way Annette (Director) works – you feel your way around the stage and she really encourages you to go with your instincts until we find something to lock in. Sometimes I need some prodding in that regard! Todd (Assistant Director) has also been very supportive, encouraging you when you feel you haven’t perhaps given your best at that particular rehearsal. As it’s community theatre, we all have busy lives outside of the rehearsal room so there’s certainly been an understanding atmosphere created in that regard.

Sarah: The rehearsal process has been a lot of fun and has also been a wonderful learning opportunity for me. I have been able to develop my craft alongside some very talented actors and I have been able to learn from their experience and skill. Our director, Annette, and assistant director, Todd, have been very focused on ensuring each cast member is able to develop their character into something real and genuine. The cast have been given the space to explore our character and experiment with movement and blocking, which has meant that we have all had an active role in creating the experience of the show.

I genuinely love coming to the theatre and getting to spend time with the cast and production team. As well as being talented, they are all very funny and our rehearsals are never boring.

What do you like about the show? Why did you choose to be involved?

Annette: I’m drawn to stories that resonate with me personally. When I first read this play, I connected immediately with its portrayal of real women who are unapologetically themselves, strong, vulnerable and resilient.

I’ve experienced significant loss in my own life, both family and close friends. It’s not something we always talk about openly, and this play creates space to acknowledge that grief.

Phillipa: I like how Exit Laughing gives us not one, not two but three strong, older female roles. Having come back into performing from such a long break, I’ve seen how roles for women 55+ are often few and far between. It’s been an eye-opener to see the difference in looking for roles in your 20s and 30s to now searching for good, meaty roles as an older female. I really appreciate how the women in Exit Laughing are not just someone’s wife, or mother or assistant – they are individuals who exist on their own, not just as part of someone else’s life.

I wanted to be involved because I really responded to how Annette described her approach to stage work and how she envisioned Exit Laughing as the “Golden Girls” on stage when I went to the theatre’s season launch. Those characters are legendary and I thought if we could replicate that kind of friendship on stage we would be on a winner.

Sarah: I really like that this show is a comedy grounded in the reality of everyday life. These characters are people that you could easily know or run into on the street. Many of the experiences of the characters are ones that the audience will be able to relate to in one way or another and the show has a multi-generational appeal. I saw many of my own experiences in Rachel and I think the audience will be able to see parts of themselves in our characters as well. From an acting perspective, I was excited to try a different style of acting after performing in a very outrageous farce. It has been really interesting to work on various methods of comedic acting across different styles of shows.

Other than yourself, which cast member do you think audiences should keep an eye out for? Who is really bringing it?

Annette: This is truly an ensemble piece, so there isn’t one person who carries it. The strength of the show lies in the balance between them.

The writing gives each character their own moment, and I’ve worked to ensure those moments land. Every cast member brings something distinct, and it’s that combination that makes the production work.

Phillipa: Oh gosh, it’s a small cast so I think they are all bringing it! There are so many sneaky one-liners that I’m so enjoying from the other characters. Both Leona (Julie Mathers) and Millie (Penny Church) have some lines and reactions that are complete classics – just wait for them!

Sarah: Honestly, the whole cast is amazing and I am honoured to get to share the stage with them. Penny Church, who plays Millie, is a particular stand out for me. She is incredibly naturally funny and there have been so many moments during the rehearsal process that I have had to actively stop myself from bursting out laughing at something she has said or done. I really enjoy watching her scenes and I know the audience will too!

What do you want the audience to think about? What is the message of the show?

Annette: At its heart, this play invites audiences to reflect on friendship, loss and the value of shared history.

It’s great fun on the surface, with plenty of laughter and warmth, but underneath it acknowledges something many of us carry quietly. We shouldn’t shy away from conversations about grief and death. They are part of life, and no one is immune. The more we share those experiences, the richer and more connected our lives become.

Phillipa: I’d like the audience to think about how precious friendships are in times of struggle. I think the

message of the show is friendship and how so often that is what supports us and sustains us during both our hardest and happiest times. It is those friendships that remind us to live life to the fullest.

Sarah: I want the audience to think about the importance of connection with the people in our lives. One of the real joys of life is the people we get to share it with; the people who join us on our adventures, share in our triumphs and hold us in our grief. Our relationships with our friends, family and friends who become our chosen family are precious and unfortunately time with these people is finite. The message of the show is to cherish these relationships and seize every moment and opportunity while you can, before you Exit Laughing.

Ticket link: https://huntershill.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/155533