The nominees in the Best Performance in a Play category are the standout actors who shone the brightest on stage. Whether it was their spot-on comedic timing or ability to make us feel something, these are the individual performances we can't forget.
The winner for each category will be announced on July 29, 2024. To see nominees for all categories, click here. For more information about the awards, click here.
Zahra Newman played young Maxine Beneba Clarke with playfulness and vulnerability. Newman morphed into a multitude of characters, whipping from schoolyard bullies to her actress mother and brash PE teacher. You clocked this change not only by the flick of her accent, but in the actor’s physicality and facial transformations.
Exploring the destructive depths of mental illness on the stage is no easy task, but it's one Max McKenna executed with devastating skill. Their portrayal of Anna's never-defined yet ever-present psychological struggle was as heartwrenching as it was layered, from grandiose youthful vigour to desperate depression.
Kat Stewart’s (The Little Dog Laughed, The Shape of Things and TV hits Offspring, Underbelly) Martha exuded a delicate cruelty; she was compelling as she ridiculed George with air smooches, a baby voice and wall thrusting. Stewart's a brilliant crier and let her tears run liberally as the production met its bitter end.
*Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is showing at the Comedy Theatre from June 29 to July 14, 2024.
The sole actor, Janet Anderson (she/her) gave a career-defining performance, heartfelt and heart-wrenching with great comic timing. Seemingly effortlessly, she held the attention of everyone in her orbit, seamlessly switching gears to impersonate Rosie’s associates and their various British dialects. Rosie is funny and smart and hurt and just trying to survive and find joy. She doesn't look for trouble; it finds her.
Celebrating the best of performing and visual arts in Melbourne over the past 12 months. Check out all of the shortlisted musicals, plays, art exhibitions and museum displays.
Discover Time Out original video
