The Twyford presents
A Merrigong Theatre Company production
DEAR DIARY by Kay Proudlove
A play with songs
Writer/Performer Kay Proudlove
Director Leland Kean
Dramaturg/Creative Consultant Phil Spencer
Costume Designer Katja Handt
The Twyford – Theatre Venue
7.30pm Friday 5 July & Saturday 6 July 2024
Music/Theatre
Recommended for ages 14+ Adult themes, strong language
Length: 1 hour 15 mins (no interval)
Twyford Gift Certificates are valid for this show
ABOUT
Dear Diary is a story with songs by Kay Proudlove. Kay is a regional NSW performer, writer and composer who has toured worldwide with her live shows, and worked on various music, theatre and dramatic arts projects.
Kay’s new work takes us on a journey through her teenage diaries through a collection of intimate and vulnerable stories and songs. From first kisses, girl power, spice world, and Elijah Wood fan fiction to lost gigs, found memories and frayed friendships, Dear Diary is a hilarious, nostalgic and sometimes painful revisiting of our teenage years, delving into the pressures and expectations of growing up. Through song and beautiful, disarming storytelling Kay moves the narrative deeper into an exploration of the themes of self-esteem, body image and how to love yourself just as you are through Kay’s own personal journey.
With wry humour and confessional stories, Dear Diary asks us to look at what we hold onto in our lives and when it’s the right time to let them go, if ever.
Dear Diary was produced with support from Merrigong Theatre Company’s Artist Development Program, with narrative support from dramaturg Phil Spencer (The Smallest Hour) and direction from Merrigong’s Artistic Development Manager Leland Kean.
“People who’ve seen Kay Proudlove play her songs know she’s whip-smart, hilarious and with the voice of an angel, but seeing Kay turn her own life into a theatre show I saw the depth she has as a writer and performer, and how much extra talent she’s been hiding in those suitcases.” – Lindsay McDougall, ABC Illawarra
“Proudlove is the consummate performer, delighting crowds between songs and delivering lyric driven music that is instantly relatable.” – Gareth Evan, Timber and Steel
“One of those no longer hidden talents . . . If you haven’t heard her yet, this is a gap you need to immediately fill.”
– Chuck Moore, Reviews About
ABOUT MERRIGONG
Australia’s largest regional theatre company, Merrigong Theatre Company manages one of Australia’s busiest, most dynamic venues – Illawarra Performing Arts Centre in Wollongong, about an hour south of Sydney. The company also manages the city’s key civic and community venue, the Wollongong Town Hall. Since 2005, under Artistic Director Simon Hinton, Merrigong has developed into a vibrant theatre company in its own right – producing, presenting and touring exciting contemporary theatre and supporting the development of a wide range of theatre makers.
THANK YOU
Leland Kean, Phil Spencer, Katja Handt, Annie Clapton, Sara Richarson, Pip Rigter, Ashleigh Chambers, Andrew Gray and everyone at Merrigong for helping me take this project out of the book and onto the stage. Ben Davies and all my family and friends for their constant support. My neighbours who have put up with hearing me write these songs late into the night and Teenage Kay for putting in the groundwork.
Merimbula performances are supported by the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – an Australian Government initiative