She’s worked with directors Martin Scorsese, Jane Campion and Woody Allen, and acted opposite the likes of Meryl Streep, Anthony Hopkins and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Now Judy Davis is returning to the stage after almost 15 years in Belvoir St Theatre’s adaptation of Helen Garner’s acclaimed novel, The Spare Room. Directed and adapted by Belvoir’s artistic director Eamon Flack, the production features Davis as Helen, a writer who opens her home to her terminally ill friend Nicola, portrayed by Elizabeth Alexander. As Nicola pursues alternative cancer treatments, Helen grapples with the emotional complexities of caregiving, love, and impending loss.
Davis, a two-time Academy Award nominee known for her roles in My Brilliant Career and Husbands and Wives, delivers a performance that’s been described as “electric” and “riveting,” capturing Helen’s internal struggles with nuance and intensity. Her return to the stage has been met with critical acclaim, highlighting her commanding presence and deep emotional resonance.
Veteran actress Elizabeth Alexander, recognised for her work in Clickbait and – for those with long memories, as the mother, Esther in the 1973 ABC TV series, Seven Little Australians – brings depth to the role of Nicola. She embodies the character’s groundless hope and denial with sensitivity. The production is further enhanced by Mel Page’s set design representing Helen’s comfortable, light-filled Melbourne home.
Garner’s 2008 novel, drawn from her personal experiences, is lauded for its unflinching honesty and exploration of friendship, mortality, and the human capacity for compassion. The stage adaptation, although a little slow in pace at times, preserves the novel’s poignant themes, offering audiences an impactful theatrical experience.
The Spare Room
Belvoir St Theatre, Sydney
Until July 13, 2025
belvoir.com.au
