The Doll Trilogy: Part 1 - Kid Stakes
Newsletter
Theatre
Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat and Red Stitch Presents
The Doll Trilogy: Part 1 - Kid Stakes
Written by Ray Lawler
18 Jun 2026
– 20 Jun 2026
Sessions
Information
Show type
Theatre
duration
2 hours and 20 minutes, including a 20-minute interval
Location
Her Majesty's Theatre Ballarat
Time
Part 1: Kid Stakes — 18 JUN 2026: 7.30PM
Part 1: Kid Stakes — 20 JUN 2026: 11AM
Part 1: Kid Stakes — 20 JUN 2026: 11AM
Prices
EARLY BIRD PRICING UNTIL 01 FEB 2026
ALL PRICES LISTED ARE 20% OFF THE USUAL PRICE
A Reserve
Full: $47.20
Concession: $43.20
B Reserve: $39.20
$30 Under 30: $24
Mob Tix: $20
Restricted View: $20
Students (via school booking): $20
We are proud to offer Mob Tix. These are discounted tickets for self-identified First Nations People to selected shows at Ballarat’s Cultural Venues.
School Bookings
For All Schools booking please contact the box office via hermaj@hermaj.com or 03 5333 5888
ALL PRICES LISTED ARE 20% OFF THE USUAL PRICE
A Reserve
Full: $47.20
Concession: $43.20
B Reserve: $39.20
$30 Under 30: $24
Mob Tix: $20
Restricted View: $20
Students (via school booking): $20
We are proud to offer Mob Tix. These are discounted tickets for self-identified First Nations People to selected shows at Ballarat’s Cultural Venues.
School Bookings
For All Schools booking please contact the box office via hermaj@hermaj.com or 03 5333 5888
Suitable for
Recommended 13+, THE DOLL TRILOGY
Additional information
Content Warnings: This show contains adult themes including those related to grief and loss, abortion, sexism, racism and cultural insensitivities; explores mental health issues and contains mild language.
Lauded as a defining monument of 20th-century Australian theatre, Ray Lawler’s The Doll Trilogy charts the transformation of a nation through the intimate lives of Roo, Barney, Olive, Nancy, and those around them.
Lawler’s masterful writing brings working-class Melbourne to life with warmth, humour, and sensitivity, beautifully realised by Red Stitch. The characters embody idealism, disappointment, and resilience against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Australia. Whether you’re encountering Lawler’s characters for the first time or revisiting them with fresh eyes, The Doll Trilogy promises an unforgettable theatrical journey - one that speaks to who we were, who we are, and how the past continues to shape us.
PART 1: KID STAKES - (1937)
Set in Depression-era Carlton, Kid Stakes begins the 17-year odyssey of Roo, Barney, Olive, and Nancy. Cane croppers from Queensland, Roo and Barney spend their off-season in Melbourne, where they meet Olive and Nancy, young women on the cusp of adulthood. A spark of romance ignites, marked by Roo’s first gift of a kewpie doll to Olive, the start of their summer ritual.
Meanwhile, Bubba, the child next door, watches with curiosity, and Olive’s mother Emma offers her wry, pragmatic perspective. Full of humour, warmth, and youthful bravado, Kid Stakes captures the optimism and restless energy of a nation on the brink of change.
Discover Part 2: OTHER TIMES - (1945)
Discover Part 3: SUMMER OF THE SEVENTH DOLL - (1953)
EXPERIENCE THE WHOLE TRILOGY IN A SINGLE DAY
Content Warnings: This show contains adult themes including those related to grief and loss, abortion, sexism, racism and cultural insensitivities; explores mental health issues and contains mild language.
Lawler’s masterful writing brings working-class Melbourne to life with warmth, humour, and sensitivity, beautifully realised by Red Stitch. The characters embody idealism, disappointment, and resilience against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Australia. Whether you’re encountering Lawler’s characters for the first time or revisiting them with fresh eyes, The Doll Trilogy promises an unforgettable theatrical journey - one that speaks to who we were, who we are, and how the past continues to shape us.
PART 1: KID STAKES - (1937)
Set in Depression-era Carlton, Kid Stakes begins the 17-year odyssey of Roo, Barney, Olive, and Nancy. Cane croppers from Queensland, Roo and Barney spend their off-season in Melbourne, where they meet Olive and Nancy, young women on the cusp of adulthood. A spark of romance ignites, marked by Roo’s first gift of a kewpie doll to Olive, the start of their summer ritual.
Meanwhile, Bubba, the child next door, watches with curiosity, and Olive’s mother Emma offers her wry, pragmatic perspective. Full of humour, warmth, and youthful bravado, Kid Stakes captures the optimism and restless energy of a nation on the brink of change.
Discover Part 2: OTHER TIMES - (1945)
Discover Part 3: SUMMER OF THE SEVENTH DOLL - (1953)
EXPERIENCE THE WHOLE TRILOGY IN A SINGLE DAY
Content Warnings: This show contains adult themes including those related to grief and loss, abortion, sexism, racism and cultural insensitivities; explores mental health issues and contains mild language.
Cast & Creatives
Ngaire Dawn Fair
Olive
Olive
Ben Prendergast
Roo
Roo
Damian Walshe-Howling
Barney
Barney
Emily Goddard
Nancy / Pearl
Nancy / Pearl
Caroline Lee
Emma
Emma
Khisraw Jones-Shukoor
Dickie / Josef / Johnny
Dickie / Josef / Johnny
Lucinda Smith
Bubba
Bubba
Director
Ella Caldwell
Set & Costume
Jacob Battista & Sophie Woodward
Lighting
Rachel Burke
Sound
Daniel Nixon
Ngaire Dawn Fair
Olive
Ngaire Dawn Fair is an accomplished actor, director, voice artist and proud ensemble member of Red Stitch Actors Theatre (The Flick, The Antipodes, Retelling of the Myth, Sharon in Detroit, Herding Cats, 4000 Miles, ROAM, and My Romantic History).
Since graduating from The National Theatre she has worked extensively in Australian television on shows such as Offspring, House Husbands, Mr and Mrs Murder, Rush, Killing Time, The Slap, Winners and Losers, Satisfaction, and Neighbours.
Since graduating from The National Theatre she has worked extensively in Australian television on shows such as Offspring, House Husbands, Mr and Mrs Murder, Rush, Killing Time, The Slap, Winners and Losers, Satisfaction, and Neighbours.
She starred in Hannie Rayson’s Extinction at the Melbourne Arts Centre, Neil Armfield’s film Holding the Man and Crawlspace - directed by Justin Dix.
Ngaire directed The Village Bike by Penelope Skinner, Red Stitch Playlist Playlets and during covid, a filmed play, F*cking Ancient for the Adelaide Fringe and has been fortunate to workshop numerous playwriting developments through Red Stitch’s Ink Program. She is currently back from from Los Angeles where her most recent film credits include The Evil is Inside and her own venture Mylk.
Ngaire directed The Village Bike by Penelope Skinner, Red Stitch Playlist Playlets and during covid, a filmed play, F*cking Ancient for the Adelaide Fringe and has been fortunate to workshop numerous playwriting developments through Red Stitch’s Ink Program. She is currently back from from Los Angeles where her most recent film credits include The Evil is Inside and her own venture Mylk.
Ben Prendergast
Roo
Ben has worked across Film, TV, Theatre, and Voiceover. Most recently in the Universal/Blumhouse film Wolf Man with Julia Garner, Taika Waititi’s Interior Chinatown for Hulu, and Netflix's The Residence, Zack Snyder’s Twilight of the Gods, and Tombraider.
Previously he's appeared in Predestination (with Ethan Hawke), Preacher, The Frontier (NBC), Offspring, Doctor Blake, and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.
Your kids or grandkids might know him from the Video Game world; as the Norse God 'Tyr' in God of War, 'Fuse" in Apex Legends, 'Patroclus' in Hades, 'Blood Knight' in Diablo, and Dune, Call of Duty, and Horizon. He's worked on The Simpsons, Zootopia 2, Star Wars The Lego Holiday Special, Star Wars Resistance, and Ark.
Previously he's appeared in Predestination (with Ethan Hawke), Preacher, The Frontier (NBC), Offspring, Doctor Blake, and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.
Your kids or grandkids might know him from the Video Game world; as the Norse God 'Tyr' in God of War, 'Fuse" in Apex Legends, 'Patroclus' in Hades, 'Blood Knight' in Diablo, and Dune, Call of Duty, and Horizon. He's worked on The Simpsons, Zootopia 2, Star Wars The Lego Holiday Special, Star Wars Resistance, and Ark.
As a proud Red Stitch Ensemble member, he's graced our stages in The Pride, Midsummer, Straight, NSFW, The Flock and the Nest, The Flick, Dead Centre/Sea Wall, Uncle Vanya, Incognito, and The Antipodes.
Other credits include The Distance for Melbourne Theatre Company, The Flick for Queensland Theatre Company, The One for 45 Downstairs, Dreamsong the Musical for Theatreworks.
In 2016 he was awarded the Green Room Award for Best Actor for his performance in Simon Stephen's Sea Wall, and calls Melbourne and Los Angeles home.
Other credits include The Distance for Melbourne Theatre Company, The Flick for Queensland Theatre Company, The One for 45 Downstairs, Dreamsong the Musical for Theatreworks.
In 2016 he was awarded the Green Room Award for Best Actor for his performance in Simon Stephen's Sea Wall, and calls Melbourne and Los Angeles home.
Damian Walshe-Howling
Barney
One of Australia’s most accomplished actors, Damian Walshe-Howling has an impressive list of Film and Television credits. Gaining critical acclaim for his performance in Australia’s highly celebrated Television series UNDERBELLY, his personification of 'Melbourne’s most loved murderer', Andrew Benji Veniamin, captured the hearts and minds of Australian and International audiences.
His extensive list of film and television credits include leads roles in HE DIED WITH A FALAFEL IN HIS HAND, MYSTERY ROAD, THE REEF, SECRET LIFE OF US, EAST WEST 101, JACK IRISH, WILFRED, BLUE HEELERS, BIKIE WARS, and the critically acclaimed ABC series JANET KING. He has most recently been seen in Paramount Plus’s smash hit TV series LAST KING OF THE CROSS.
His extensive list of film and television credits include leads roles in HE DIED WITH A FALAFEL IN HIS HAND, MYSTERY ROAD, THE REEF, SECRET LIFE OF US, EAST WEST 101, JACK IRISH, WILFRED, BLUE HEELERS, BIKIE WARS, and the critically acclaimed ABC series JANET KING. He has most recently been seen in Paramount Plus’s smash hit TV series LAST KING OF THE CROSS.
As a Writer / Director, Damian won the prestigious International LEXUS SHORT FILM SERIES and was awarded close to half a million dollars to write and direct his third short film MESSiAH starring David Gulpilil and Stephen Hunter. After enjoying successful premiers around the world, it sold to both SBS Australia and AMAZON PRIME International.
Damian’s previous short films THE BLOODY SWEET HIT and SUSPENDED also opened a number of esteemed international festivals, including Locarno in Switzerland, Cannes Cinephiles, Nashville, Slamdance, Flickerfest and St Kilda. Both films went on to enjoy extensive sales internationally including MTV Europe.
Most recently Damian has written and directed his 4th short film UNSPOKEN which just won Best International Film in official competition at the much coveted CLERMONT-FERRAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. He has also been developing a number of his own Film and TV projects as a Writer/Director both independently and with production company PRINCESS PICTURES.
Damian’s previous short films THE BLOODY SWEET HIT and SUSPENDED also opened a number of esteemed international festivals, including Locarno in Switzerland, Cannes Cinephiles, Nashville, Slamdance, Flickerfest and St Kilda. Both films went on to enjoy extensive sales internationally including MTV Europe.
Most recently Damian has written and directed his 4th short film UNSPOKEN which just won Best International Film in official competition at the much coveted CLERMONT-FERRAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. He has also been developing a number of his own Film and TV projects as a Writer/Director both independently and with production company PRINCESS PICTURES.
Emily Goddard
Nancy / Pearl
As one of Australia’s most versatile stage actors, Emily has performed across Australia and the UK for leading main stage companies including Melbourne Theatre Company, Malthouse, Belvoir, Red Stitch, Queensland Theatre, The Bush-London and Birmingham Rep.
As a playwright, her critically acclaimed play This is Eden was winner of the 2018 Drama Victoria Award and has had six sell out seasons, including a recent Australian tour. She has been nominated for three Green Room Awards for Outstanding Performer.
As a playwright, her critically acclaimed play This is Eden was winner of the 2018 Drama Victoria Award and has had six sell out seasons, including a recent Australian tour. She has been nominated for three Green Room Awards for Outstanding Performer.
An acting graduate of Ecole Philippe Gaulier, Paris, Emily was recipient of two Ian Potter Cultural Trust Scholarships and winner of the Empire Theatres Developing Performer Bursary.
Her screen credits include Clickbait, Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, Neighbours, Newton's Law and Twentysomething.
Emily is a 2023 graduate of the VCA Masters of Screenwriting and a recent AACTA/Sony Pitch Focus Top 5 Finalist. She currently has a dark comedy series in development with Ruby Entertainment.
Her screen credits include Clickbait, Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, Neighbours, Newton's Law and Twentysomething.
Emily is a 2023 graduate of the VCA Masters of Screenwriting and a recent AACTA/Sony Pitch Focus Top 5 Finalist. She currently has a dark comedy series in development with Ruby Entertainment.
Caroline Lee
Emma
Caroline has been working professionally as a performer for over thirty years. Most recently she has appeared in Honour, Super, Your Name Means Dream, Ssshh, Wittenoom, The Cane, Single Ladies, Escaped Alone, Dance Nation, Colder, Suddenly Last Summer, Sunshine, Jurassica and Wet House (Red Stitch).
She has also played Lola Montez in The Exotic Lives of Lola Montez with Finucane and Smith, which toured Victoria and New South Wales; performed in All I’m Saying at La Mama; toured Victoria and New South Wales with Jurassica; performed in Conviction; toured regional Victoria in Waking Up Dead and toured China with Finucane and Smith in The Flood.
She has also played Lola Montez in The Exotic Lives of Lola Montez with Finucane and Smith, which toured Victoria and New South Wales; performed in All I’m Saying at La Mama; toured Victoria and New South Wales with Jurassica; performed in Conviction; toured regional Victoria in Waking Up Dead and toured China with Finucane and Smith in The Flood.
She has also performed in Bell Shakespeare’s Phèdre; The Trouble with Harry, The Carnival of Mysteries, and The Minotaur Trilogy for the Melbourne International Arts Festival; Waking Up Dead; A Kind of Fabulous Hatred; and appeared in Small Metal Objects in New York, Toronto, Vancouver and Cardiff with Back to Back Theatre.
Recent film and television appearances include three seasons of The Newsreader; and roles in Miss Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, and The Dressmaker.
Caroline has won four Green Room Awards and is a well-known, and awarded, narrator of talking books.
Recent film and television appearances include three seasons of The Newsreader; and roles in Miss Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, and The Dressmaker.
Caroline has won four Green Room Awards and is a well-known, and awarded, narrator of talking books.
Khisraw Jones-Shukoor
Dickie / Josef / Johnny
Khisraw has been a Red Stitch ensemble member since 2022. His works at Red Stitch include: Selling Kabul, A Simple Act of Kindness, The Amateurs, OIL, The Way Out.
Malthouse Theatre shows include: Macbeth: An Undoing, Because the Night.
Melbourne Theatre Company: Macbeth. TheatreWorks: FIERCE.
Malthouse Theatre shows include: Macbeth: An Undoing, Because the Night.
Melbourne Theatre Company: Macbeth. TheatreWorks: FIERCE.
La Mama Courthouse: THEM (Green room nomination for best ensemble).
Australian Shakespeare Company: Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet.
Screen credits include Love Divided By Eleven, FAKE, Swift St, The Newsreader, Why are You Like This, and Neighbours
Australian Shakespeare Company: Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet.
Screen credits include Love Divided By Eleven, FAKE, Swift St, The Newsreader, Why are You Like This, and Neighbours
Lucinda Smith
Bubba
Lucinda (she/her) graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 2023. During her studies she received the Australian British Society Shakespeare Sonnet Award, the Finley Award and the Speech and Drama Poetry Prize, all for her work in heightened text.
Following her graduation from WAAPA, she returned home to lutruwita / Tasmania to perform the role of Rosalind in As You Like It, directed by Roger Hodgman.
Following her graduation from WAAPA, she returned home to lutruwita / Tasmania to perform the role of Rosalind in As You Like It, directed by Roger Hodgman.
Lucinda was a Red Stitch Hansen Graduate for 2024, and made her debut with the company in Joanna Murray-Smith’s Honour, directed by Sam Strong.
She is ecstatic to be once again collaborating with Red Stitch.
She is ecstatic to be once again collaborating with Red Stitch.