Meet the cast of Disorderly and Defiant

By Contributed

Aug 21, 2024

Starring in Disorderly and Defiant are (back from left) Alisha Beavis (Gertie), Darcy Elliott (Sergeant Unwin), Wendy Bennett (Mrs Maloney), Pete Gibson (Magistrate Barton), Suzanne Spencer (Mrs Unwin), Benjamin Harris (Journalist); (front) Brigid Dullard (Claudia), Lauren Douglas (Lottie) and Dan Spencer (Eddie Hogan). Photo by Contributed

Echuca-Moama Theatre Company has announced the cast for its much-anticipated original play, Disorderly and Defiant.

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Written by EMTC’s very own Francie Finn, who is also directing the play, this hilarious and thought-provoking comedy will make its debut at The Foundry Arts Space in October 2024.

Leading the charge is Alisha Beavis, who will bring to life the spirited and determined Gertie Hogan — a poor mother of five from the wrong side of the tracks.

Gertie’s world is turned upside down when she finds herself unjustly arrested and spends a night in the infamous Echuca lock-up after a fiery run-in with some arrogant local businessmen.

But Gertie isn’t facing this patriarchal system alone. She’s got a group of feisty friends and a surprise ally in Mrs Unwin, the newly suffrage-converted wife of Sergeant Unwin, played by Suzanne Spencer and Darcy Elliott, respectively.

The cast also features Brigid Dullard and Lauren Douglas as the lively local ladies of the night, Claudia and Lottie, while Wendy Bennett brings the fiery Irish immigrant and Gertie’s next-door neighbour, Mrs Maloney, to life.

Dan Spencer steps into the shoes of Gertie’s downtrodden husband, Eddie Hogan, while Benjamin Harris takes on the role of the sharp-eyed Journalist, and Pete Gibson plays the stern Magistrate Barton.

Set in the 1890s and inspired by real police court reports from The Herald, Disorderly and Defiant whisks audiences back in time to a day in the life of Gertie Hogan as she faces the harsh realities of the patriarchal system that constitutes Echuca’s local magistrate court.

“It has wit, humour, and a dose of outrage, and really shines a light on the struggles of underprivileged women in Echuca’s history,” Ms Finn said.

“We have started rehearsals and our first read-through was fantastic. I am very impressed with our cast and everyone is diving headfirst into their roles.

“I’m very excited to be able to bring these vibrant characters and historical setting to life in Echuca.”

Don’t miss the chance to step back in time and experience this laugh-out-loud comedy when it takes to the stage on October 24 until October 27.

For more information, visit the EMTC Facebook page.